Livingston Reporting - page 142

Water Treatment Systems Improve Homeowners Drinking Water Quality

There are a variety of water purification systems that can be used to improve the quality of the drinking water throughout your home.  To determine what type of water treatment system your home needs it is important to understand the qualities that each system offers in increasing water quality.  Professional water analysis can be done on your homes water to provide you with a more accurate look into the actual issues plaguing your water supply, from rust to arsenic, your drinking water could be affected.

Using the right system to purify the water in your home can help to keep your family healthy.  It is common knowledge that we need eight glasses of water or more each day to maintain personal health; purer, cleaner water dispensed from the faucets in your home help to increase the water that is consumed by your family daily.

There is a major difference between water softeners, conditioners, filtration systems and purification.  It is important to understand that water purification solutions leave valuable minerals in your water supply while eliminating harmful elements that may not be seen or smelt.  Hard water and smelly water issues are not solved with the installation of a purification system however common contaminants such as chlorine, cryptosporidium spores, giardia cysts, viruses, and pharmaceuticals are eliminated.

Not all water needs to be purified so it is crucial to understand the issues with your homes water before purchasing a water treatment system.  Water purification systems go a long way in removing common contaminates that may alter your health.  They can be installed so that they treat the entire supply of water throughout your home or specific areas where water is supplied.

Water softeners unlike water purification systems bring homeowners high quality drinking water by removing iron, rust, odor, sediment, and smells.  Softeners remove the minerals that make the water hard.  Some of the symptoms that your home could benefit from the use of a water softener is dry skins, smelly water, staining, and clogged plumbing.  Water softeners are installed treating the homes entire water supply.  Water softeners can use salt or potassium chloride using a process of ion exchange. 

The water treatment option that is used to bring you quality water will be determined by your water analysis.  There are times when a homes water supply will need more than one treatment solution to bring families quality water.  Hard water can contain contaminants that a water softener will not remove thus a water purification or filtration system needs to be installed either at the point of entry (whole house) or point of use (faucet).

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.

Analyzing Linear Accelerators and Their Major Components

Linear accelerators are widely used for the treatment of cancer using high radio-frequency electromagnetic waves to speed up electrons to increased energy in a linear path inside of an accelerator waveguide.  The frequency is medical LINACs is around 3 billion Hertz.  As the most common form of external beam radiation treatment after a cancer diagnosis it is crucial for end users to have a basic understanding of what a LINAC is.  As well as how the major components within LINAC systems work in conjunction with one another to produce radiation treatment.

Consider how a microwave oven works.  This is in the most basic sense how a linear accelerator operates.  A LINAC uses microwave technology to accelerate charged particles within a waveguide, tube like structure.  These electrons then strike a metal target producing photons. It is these photons that are focused on the cancerous tumor.  This radiation is delivered in the shape of the tumor to avoid contact with healthy tissues with the use of a variety of positioning devices.   Now that we have a general understanding of the linear accelerator lets take a look into the major components that allow LINAC systems to operate as we know them to as of today.

Drive Stand:

A drive stand is a rather large cabinet, usually rectangular in shape, that secures the LINAC machine to the floor of the treatment room that houses the gantry.

Gantry:

The gantry is a moveable frame of the LINAC that is located in the drive stand and rotates on a horizontal axis.  It helps direct the photon beams directly into the patient’s tumor.  The gantry rotates 360 degrees on its axis.  There are three components that are found within the gantry: the electron gun, accelerator structure, and treatment head.

Klystron:

The klystron is a major component that is located within the drive stand that delivers the microwave energy that is used to accelerate the electrons through amplified RF electromagnetic waves.

Accelerator Guide:

The energy from the klystron moves to the accelerator structure to speed up electrons.

Treatment Head:

The treatment head of a LINAC encases the components that shape the radiation to the specific size of the cancerous tumor.  This can include: bending magnets, primary collimator, beam flattening filter, wedges, blocks, and compensators.

Cooling System:

The water cooling system in a linear accelerator is located within the drive stand and gantry to regulate the temperature in the space.

In our next installment we will look in greater detail to the treatment head of a LINAC system and the variety of components housed within that help shape radiation beams into the shape of different cancerous tumors.

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

Can Surgery Fix an Astigmatism?

During the last few decades a variety of methods to treat an astigmatism have grown widely accepted.  An astigmatism is a defect in your eye or in the lens that is caused by an abnormality on the spherical shape of your eye which distorts images. When a patient has an astigmatism, the light rays entering the eye are prevented from meeting to come to a common focus point.  The most common treatment has been to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and more recently laser surgery correction. Although all three treatment options are acceptable in treating an astigmatism it is important to understand the options to make an informed decision regarding treatment based on your lifestyle.

Whether you are near sighted, far sighted, have blurry vision, or other sight issues, then you most likely have an astigmatism.  A diagnosis is a simple eye exam with an optometrist where they can tell you if you are suffering from an astigmatism or another eye deficiency.  There are three main forms of astigmatism including:

  • Myopic Astigmatism: Otherwise known as nearsightedness means that either one or both of your eyes are myopic, shortsighted, in varying degrees.
  • Hyperopic Astigmatism: Otherwise known as farsightedness means that either one or both of your eyes are hyperopic in varying degrees.
  • Mixed Astigmatism: This occurs when both types of astigmatisms are present, myopic astigmatism in one eye and hyperopic in the other.

Astigmatisms can be either regular or irregular.  With a regular astigmatism the principal meridians are perpendicular to one another, ninety degrees apart. With an irregular astigmatism the principal meridians are not perpendicular.  The most common is a regular corneal astigmatism meaning that the front of the eyes surface is oval in shape.

LASIK surgery is one of the ways that an astigmatism can be fixed.  Laser vision surgery corrects the asymmetrical shape of the front surface of the eye, the cornea.  Lasik takes the cornea of the eye from the shape of a football, the astigmatism, back to the shape of a baseball.  The lasers reshape the cornea and in turn correct the astigmatism.

Laser surgery correction to treat an astigmatism is usually done in under fifteen minutes and can be completed without anesthesia.  The reshaping of the cornea in the eye often takes under a minute per eye.  LASIK surgery is done with the advanced technology of an eye tracker that works by monitoring your eyes position and adjusting the laser as needed throughout the surgery.

Astigmatisms are easily corrected with glasses and contacts but if you lead a more active lifestyle or want added convenience in your life consider LASIK vision correction.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment.

Comparing Medigap Plans in Michigan

Medigap is a health insurance policy that is sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare. There are various Medigap plans available in Michigan.  It is a good idea to understand what Michigan Medigap insurance plans cover to choose a plan that best fits your individual health and budget needs.

When it comes to Medigap it is important to note that it is a supplement to Original Medicare Part A and B in Michigan and is not meant to replace this coverage.  In fact, you must remain enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B for hospital and medical coverage and be current on your premiums to participate in Medigap.  In addition, be aware that Medigap plans in Michigan do not offer prescription drug coverage.  To receive prescription coverage, you must purchase the stand alone Medigap Plan D, prescription drug plan.

Standard Medigap Plans

In the state of Michigan, private insurance companies offer ten standard Medigap plans that participants can choose to enroll in.  Each Medigap plan covers the same benefits no matter who it is purchased through.  Medigap Plan A is the same through Blue Cross Blue Shield as it is through Aetna.  No matter what insurer the plan is purchased through or the premium that is paid the coverage benefits are the exact same.

How Michigan Medigap Works

As previously mentioned, Medigap plans in Michigan are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for costs associated with Medicare Part and Part B.  This can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.  Medigap plans cannot be used in conjunction with Medicare Advantage.  There are ten standardized Medicare supplemental insurance plans available in Michigan.  Each is identified by one of ten letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

Enrolling During Open Enrollment

The Medigap open enrollment period is the best time to enroll in a plan.  Open enrollment for Medigap is the same as Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment starting the first day of the month you turn 65 and lasts for six months, remember that to enroll in Medigap you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

During the Medigap open enrollment period you have a guaranteed right to enroll in any Medigap plan that is available within your service area.  You cannot be denied coverage because of your health status or medical underwriting.  Although if you enroll in or switch plans after the open enrollment period you can be denied coverage, be charged higher premiums, and penalized for pre-existing conditions.

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

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans Available in Michigan

Michigan Medicare enrollees who are signed up for Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, may find that not all their health care expenses are covered.  To cover the gaps that are left with Medicare Michigan participants can choose to enroll in one of ten different Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, otherwise known as Medigap.  These expenses can include copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other extra healthcare expenses.

It is best to enroll in Medigap insurance plans during your six-month open enrollment period which begins the first day of the month you turn sixty-five and are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.  During this period, if you have any medical problems, you are still able to sign up for Medicare supplemental insurance plans in Michigan.  There is no medical underwriting required during the open enrollment period, premiums are not based on pre-existing conditions, and choosing a plan is completely up to you.

Once the six-month open enrollment period has lapsed, you may still apply for Medicare supplemental insurance plans however during this period you may be required to undergo medical underwriting, pay higher premiums, and can be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Comparing Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans in Michigan

Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance plans costs may vary a great deal depending on the insurance company it is purchase through and where you are located.  Medigap benefits, no matter where the insurance is purchased, are the same.  Medigap Plan A from Blue Cross is the same coverage you will receive from Medigap Plan A from Humana.  To determine what Medigap plan is best for you do a comparison between plans to evaluate which plan is the best for your healthcare needs and budget.

It is crucial to evaluate and compare all the available Medicare supplement insurance plans within Michigan.  Medigap brokers can offer a comparison between plans and premiums to help you find what you are looking for and what plan makes the most sense for you.

The most popular Medigap plan for Michigan Medicare enrollees is Plan F, which is no longer going to be available as of 2020.  It is the most comprehensive Medigap plan for beneficiaries to choose.  The benefits of Medigap Plan F include:

  • Medicare Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs: Up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
  • Medicare Part B Coinsurance/Copayments
  • The first 3 pints of blood
  • Medicare Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance/Copayments
  • Coinsurance for Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Medicare Part A Deductible
  • Medicare Part B Deductible
  • Excess Charged in Medicare Part B
  • Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage: Up to the plan limits

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!

Growing Your Business Using Reliable Freight Services

When it comes to growing your business, it is important to work with a company that offers complete and reliable freight services.  Your success comes from a number of elements working together throughout your business most of which rely on the support of a consistent logistics provider.  Reliable transportation services are used to keep the flow of products coming and going in an efficient manner.  This is done by finding a logistics partner that offers an approach to your freight distribution that is strategic to your business’s needs.

Key parameters to evaluate freight partners:

  • Logistic support that aligns with your time and budget constraints: Logistic partners must understand that each company has individual requirements in regards to their unique time limitations and regulated budget. Different levels within your company may have differing needs when it comes to time and budgets, so it is important that the logistics support received adjust with each unique layer of your business as needed.

 

  • Logistic support that offers one unified system for your freight transportation needs: When logistic support comes from one complete system there are fewer hassles and less costs associated with service. It allows employees to be trained and rely on one platform thus avoiding unnecessary training and outside support services.

 

  • Logistic support that provides automated processes for your specific company: Not all logistic support services can be automated however when services can be they should be.  Automated services allow for more efficient and quicker results.

 

  • Logistic support that is trackable through a single dashboard: Logistics that can be controlled and tracked through one platform helps to create a sound system. One reliable point of access for logistics allows for a perfect flow of service.

 

  • Logistic support that handles your freight management challenges: When challenges arise, you want a logistic team that can handle the complications and create solutions that are optimized for results.

 

  • Logistic support that performs even during peak periods: It should not matter when services are needed your logistic support team should perform as expected every time. Whether it is during a period of slow operations or peak plus logistics support should allow you to flawlessly operate.

 

  • Logistic support that helps you stay ahead of competitors: If logistics support providers are working to grow their technology and business delivery then they won’t be able to do this for you. Growth within their operations will transfer to you which allows you to stay one step ahead of your competition.

 

Learn more about Matrix Transportation and the transportation services they offer including: dedicated truckloads, JIT truckloads, less than truckload (LTL), same day expedited FTL and LTL, full truckload, warehousing, cross-docking, and trailer rentals at www.matrixtransportation.com  To contact one of our trucking experts call toll free 888.896.2405 today.

Turn Your Bathroom into An Oasis Through Bathroom Renovations

When it comes to creating a space where homeowners renovate for the sheer purpose of relaxation look no further than the bathroom.  Bathroom remodeling, in the last few decades, has come a long way in creating an oasis that can be thoroughly enjoyed in a different manner for each member of the family.  Bathroom contractors have complete knowledge on implementing various designs and strategies into your bathroom renovation to create an oasis for your family.

Bathroom Renovations Using Mirrors and Clear Glass

The bathroom is a space within the home where families migrate to relax and escape free and clear from the stresses of the day from work, kids, and more.  One strategy that contractors use to help create a unique, oasis like bathroom space is through the strategic use of mirrors.  Using large mirrors in the bathroom renovation design helps to create the sensation of a more substantial room.  Mirrors make smaller rooms appear less cramped.  Another option in bathroom renovations to enhance the size of the space is to use clear glass partitions.

Remodeling Bathrooms Choosing the Best Sink Styles

Instead of using a traditional white porcelain sink in your bathroom, contractors specializing in bathroom renovations choose copper handmade vessel basins, natural stone, ceramic, or glass.  These sink vessel materials when used in conjunction with proper fixtures, tiling, paint, and more can provide you with am undeniably serene vibe.

Maximize Natural Lighting During Renovations to The Bathroom

Natural light is not easily replicated.  When a bathroom doesn’t have outside light entering the space it is important that the soothing, natural feeling it offers is replicated.  Certain lighting elements can be used to emulate natural light while other contractors will suggest bringing natural light into the space through the addition of windows and/or skylights.

Increased Light Features in Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom contractors use lighting to brighten up bathroom spaces making them appear clean, sleek, and modern.  Bright lighting, with the ability to dim, create an oasis atmosphere.   Light fixtures, as well as the type of bulb that is used can change the entire vibe of the space.  Crystal lighting often enhances the crisp, clean lines that contractors emphasize within the bathroom space.

Proper Bathroom Flooring, Accessories, Fixtures, and More

Bathroom contractors really pull a space together through proper flooring, accessories, and fixtures.  Little elements used together and arranged properly create a clean look that emphasizes comfort and size.  All the choices from the floor to the vanity, from the toilet paper roll to the towel holder, each helps to create a soothing retreat while maximizing your bathroom space.

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.

7 Things to Know About During Asset Recovery

Asset recovery is the specialized technique that allows companies to go into facilities and complete electrical tear downs and manufacturing plant clean outs.  Companies specializing in asset recovery take resources that are no longer being utilized and resell them after they are put through the reconditioning process. This technique allows materials that would be normally disposed of and allows them to be sold.  Electrical surplus recovery companies do complete manufacturing plant clean outs, taking materials that are going to otherwise be disposed of and turning them into usable assets.  Below, we are going to look at the definitions that one should know during asset recovery and purchasing electrical components that are new, used, recycled, or refurbished.

Recycling:

Harmful materials and disposal costs of material waste can be reduced with recycling.  In the recycling process materials are converted during plant clean outs, generating income as well as preserving resources.

Reuse:

Equipment and electrical components often can be reused in other manufacturing facilities after a plant is closed.  Re-using equipment allows older equipment to be replaced with internal resources before the need arises to make an external purchase.  If the equipment is not currently needed but could be used in the future can be put into storage for later use.  Reusing idle equipment helps companies reduce depreciation, taxes, and capital.

Reconditioning:

This process begins with electrical components and machinery that has previously been used.  Companies recondition components by taking them completely apart and rebuilding them.  This process is done often during plant clean outs as a way of generating capital.  Components are refurbished and sold to other users at a discounted price.  The process of reconditioning reduces waste and allows companies to offer like new components for resale.

Reclaiming:

This process involves solvents, chemicals, lube oils and more that have been used to be reclaimed and reused, most often in a manner in which they weren’t initially used.  This allows companies to cut down on waste while being environmentally friendly.

Reselling:

When used or reconditioned surplus inventory is sold.  This occurs when it is no longer viable or useful to the company and there is no reason to store it for reuse later on.

These processes keep companies from literally throwing money away in dumps.  Manufacturing plant clean outs allow materials to be reconditioned or sold as used through electrical surplus recovery shops.  Companies that go in and process industrial plant clean outs greatly help companies recover capital from their previous investments.  It is important to extract every bit of value out of your initial investment.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Do-It-Yourself: Aluminum Fencing Installation

Would you like to get an aluminum fence for your home, but you are hesitating because you do not know if really you can really install it on your own? Aluminum fencing is one of the easiest style of fence to install, even novice do-it-yourselfer can have a new aluminum pool fence or perimeter fence installed in a weekend.   Aluminum fences are available in a multitude of designs from basic to ornamental. Many models look like an old iron fences with special rails and posts. However, unlike iron, aluminum fences tend to be more cost-effective, easy to install, and effortless to maintain.

Fencing Shipped Directly To You For Ease

Wholesale aluminum fencing is shipped factory direct to your home from online manufacturers ensuring you the best value and most convenience when shopping.  Aluminum fencing is sold in individual panels that are already put together in specific sizes depending on your needs.  Posts and gates are also designed specifically for your project.  As a homeowner you will want to get an accurate measurement and plan in place before ordering.  Aluminum fencing customer service specialists will guide you through the planning, ordering, and installation phase.

When installing your homes new aluminum fence, it is important that you have the right tools and materials in place to get the job done properly.   Without preplanning and the right tools for the job, homeowners create more work for themselves.

Installing Your New Fence

Installing your fence starts with a basic plan where stakes are placed where posts will be installed, and string is strung to illustrate the perimeter of the yard. Once you are pleased with the placement and layout you will want to start digging one post hole at a time.  Dig a hole, insert the post, and repeat making sure that each post goes into the ground at the same depth.  Add concrete around the posts, slide in the aluminum fence panel, and repeat the process properly positioning new posts and fence panels as you move around the perimeter.  Once the panels are in place you can add more concrete around each post.  Before moving between sections of the fence it is crucial to ensure the top rail of the fence is level.  Once the first section is in place homeowners will want to continue down the fence line.  As progress is made make sure to check the fence remains level as it is easy to fix before the concrete dries but not so much after!

Finishing Your Fence Install With A Gate

Once the fence is in place it is time to install the aluminum gate.  This aspect should be straightforward and can be achieved using the same tools and materials you have used to install the fence.  Once the gate is in place and you have subsequently checked to ensure the fence is level.  As with any do it yourself project it is important to thoroughly read all instructions and guidelines.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions from your online wholesale aluminum fence retailer during the installation process as this is part of the customer service experience when shopping aluminum fencing online.

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.

 

Professional Roof Installation Increases Your Roofs Life Expectancy

Do it yourself home improvements are quite popular however, there are a few renovations around the house, such as a new roof, that are better left to the professionals.   Online instructions and YouTube videos may make it appear simpler than it really is.  Regarding new roof installation, replacement roofing, and roof repair an expert in roofing is more than worth their value.

Roofing contractors have years of experience in their field.  No video tutorial can provide the knowledge that comes from years of training and experience that professional roofers have.  Professional roofers are aware of how different materials will adhere to the homes roof and the different tools needed to do the job correctly.

Roofing is incredibly technical and if even one aspect is altered, or a step is missed problems can arise later down the road.  Skilled roofing contractors know what problems to look for, what triggers leaks, and what damage needs to be looked for in replacement roofing and roof repairs.  Roofing contractors are not only qualified they offer varying degrees of warranties while providing services that are insured.  Licensed roofers have experience that go a long way to increase the life expectancy of the roof.

Benefits to Professional Roof Installation

  • Increased home value: Replacing your homes roof can increase your homes value upwards of $15,000.
  • Improved Appearance: Quality roofing, installed properly will provide your homes roof a flawless looking surface. Choosing a complementary color of shingling can enhance the overall look of the home as well.  Shingle roofs can duplicate the look of several materials from slate to tile but with the increased lifespan of asphalt.
  • Greater Warranties and Roofing Guarantees: For roofs installed by professional roofers the standard material guarantee is anywhere between twelve to eighteen years. When using premium materials, a home’s roofs guarantees can be upwards of fifty years.
  • Roofing Technology: Contrary to popular belief, some types of asphalt roof shingles have a power star rating because they’re designed to reflect solar heat, therefore reducing cooling costs for a longer life span.
  • Prevention of Inspection Issues: Whenever a home is put up for sale, the roof is one of the very most visible features -not merely to prospective home buyers but also to building appraisers and inspectors. A roof in poor condition can stop a home deal. That is why it’s best if you get a professional roofing contractor to do the installation as they know what to go for.

Finding the Right Contractor

Your homes roof is a large investment.  It is important to take your time to find a professional, reliable roofing contractor to get the job done. Never allow yourself to compromise quality for price.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.