Livingston Reporting - page 153

Water Softener vs Water Filtration

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to treating the water that comes into your home we know that you have a lot of questions and concerns.  With the number of options available in treating residential water quality it can become quite difficult to differentiate between the products available and their purpose.  The question we get most often is regarding the difference between water filtration and water softening.  In this installment we will look at the differences and how you know what the best option for your home is.  Of course, as always FREE water analysis is available through Reynolds Water Conditioning Co; our experts will better be able to evaluate your need in person.

Let’s start by looking at what each system is and what it offers to the quality of water that you will end up with using each specific water treatment option.

Water Softeners

Water softeners are installed to soften the water within your home.  They are designed to remove only that materials and containments within the water that create hard water including magnesium and calcium.  Two general types of water softening units exist: water softeners that use salt to chemically modify the water and those that use potassium, otherwise known as salt-free water softeners.

Water Filtration

Water filtration is a general term used to describe many different options in removing contaminants from water including rust, iron, arsenic, copper, sediment, pesticides, and even hormones that enter water supplies through industrial or pharmaceutical waste.  There are two types of systems to consider in water filtration: whole house filtration and point-of-use water filtration systems.

Although similar in nature you can see how each uses specific technology to improve the quality of water.  What option(s) you choose will depend on your specific water quality.  Some homeowners may find that even after they have installed a water filtration unit they are still left with hard water.  The water quality may be better but still hard affecting their skin, appliances, clothing, and so forth.  In this case the best option may be to install a whole house water softener with a point-of-use water filtration system to maximize your homes water quality.

Do You Have Issues With Your Water?

If you suspect issues with your homes water quality, does it smell bad, stain, or create residue build up, or have recently found out through a home inspection that the quality of the water entering your home is sub-par it is imperative that you reach out to the water quality experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning Company.

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.

Reynolds Water

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Find the Best Medigap Policy with These 5 Easy Steps

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Choosing the right Medigap policy is important if you are looking to save on your health-related costs in the long run. In this article, we break down choosing the right Medigap policy in 5 simple and easy steps:

1: Evaluating Your Health Care Costs

It’s important to do a thorough analysis of what you’ve spent on healthcare annually. Also try to sketch out an idea of how much your future health costs will come to and add them to your list. Finally, also make sure to add any costs that covered the services offered by Medigap plans.

2: Comparing and Reviewing Medigap Plans

Make sure to go through the Medigap Plan from A to N to determine which plans are most apt for your situation. Cross compare the plans with each other and do a careful analysis of which one is ideal for you. Also, be aware that the Plans J, I, H and E were no longer sold after May 2010. However, if you already bought any of these plans before June 2010, you’ll be allowed to move forward with it.

3: Finding the Medigap Insurance Company

Do your research and find out the insurance company that offers Medigap plans in your State. You can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or your State insurance department for guidance. These companies are also listed by Medicare Options Compare.

4: Comparing Each Insurance Company

Take some time, do a thorough research and then choose your insurance company carefully. You’ll probably have a range of options to choose from, and you must consider a bunch of factors before you move on with your decision.

Costs are one the most important factors when it comes to choosing companies. Find out the premium being charged by the company for the Medigap plan, compare with your other options and then choose. You will also want to look for issue-age-rated and community-rated policies with each company. These policies might make the costs lesser for you as you cross a certain age and hence can end up being a deal breaker. Also use independent rating services to gauge the financial stability and soundness of the company you’re considering. Companies with an A rating are generally considered to be ideal choices. Finally, also make sure to go through any complaints with the company under consideration. You can contact your Department of Insurance to check if they have received any complaints about a company.

5: Choosing the Right Insurance Company

Once you’ve gathered all the information you need and done adequate research on the companies and the policies involved, make sure you arrive at a sound and informed decision. Don’t just depend on information you find on the Internet or in the library: talk to people who you trust and try to figure out which company is preferred in your area.

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!

Medigap Insurance Plans

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5 Steps to Take When Comparing Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medicare supplemental insurance plans are also known as ‘Medigap’. It is a procedural setup devised to benefit patients with waved off expenditures including coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. These insurance plans are formulated and offered by private companies. Other Medicare supplemental insurance plans also sometimes apply to patients traveling outside their country.

A difference between a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage Plan needs to be made clear is that the latter is directed towards gaining medical benefits. On the other hand, the prior is attributed and functions primarily on increasing the already existing Original Medicare benefits.

To choose the right Medicare supplemental insurance plan takes a certain amount of assessments, comparisons, and trials. For your convenience here are five important steps to keep in mind when choosing a Medigap insurance plan:

Devise your HealthCare Costs

First and foremost, you should calculate the amount of money you spend on your healthcare products yearly or monthly. In doing so, you should also keep in mind the costs of services provided and covered by Medigap plans. Once you’ve gone through the Medigap plans and chosen your fix i.e. the one that fulfills your criteria of benefits required then move onto the next step.

Choice of Insurance Company

Once you’ve chosen your Medicare supplemental insurance plan, then you need to decide and scrutinize which insurance company offers your preferred choice of the Medigap plan. The vast range of companies should not overwhelm you, rather you should take ample time to decide which one you want to proceed with.

Comparing the costs of Medigap plans

Comparing the required premium costs, the insurance company would charge you on your choice of Medigap plan will help you exclude those companies that exceed your range for a premium charge. Also, some companies have ranging methods that might increase from what you paid in the beginning.

Premium Charges

Furthermore, some companies automatically file your Medicare supplemental insurance plans. If they do it, it saves a lot of your time and headspace for a little extra charge of course. After comparison investigate how stable the insurance being offered by the company is in the long run. Seek assistance from Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers to help compare prices between carriers.

One Person Policy

Keep in mind that one Medicare supplemental insurance plan is only applicable for a single person to whom it is initially made for. Your spouse or any other family member will require a separate insurance made for them. On that note, it is also illegal to sell your Medigap policy to someone else.

As previously mentioned, Medicare Advantage Plans are not Medigap plans. In a similar way, Veterans’ benefits, Medicare Prescription drug plans, Medicaid, Long-Term Care insurance policies aren’t either. The Medicare supplemental insurance plans take a lot of reading into and rightfully so. To have a better grip at the medical, procedural and legality jargons, one must take ample time to digest every piece of information and then devise. The idea is to choose the best offering available that helps and doesn’t exceed your premium charge limit.

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!

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

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The Importance of Your Homes Exterior Appearance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many ways to add aesthetic value to your home; the trick though is to get a return on your investment along with it.  Most homeowners think about the interior of the home when considering upgrades however, renovations on the exterior of the home are just as important.  Exterior home improvements that boost your homes curb appeal can go a long way in increasing the value of your home.  First impressions often make or break how buyers look at a home.  The exterior appeal of your home can literally change the way your home is perceived to future buyers.

Of course, most homeowners don’t move forward with renovations to our homes because we will one day will sell the home.  We make upgrades to improve the quality of our experiences in the home.  It is important homeowners consider both their personal enjoyment and added value.  Here are five exterior projects that we believe will add value now and later.

Add a Deck and/or Porch

Sitting in a comfortable chair enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine on your porch or deck is a feeling better than any amount of money.  Even the smallest of homes with a yard of any size can enjoy the benefits of a space outdoor that is able to be used as a livable space.  It is important that the area be in proportion with the landscape.  The addition of the deck or porch should only consist of 1/5th of the overall space.  Even a small patio space, set aside, can make a world of difference.  The perception, and hopefully the reality, is that it is a space that used to relax and contemplate the beginning or end of the day.

Replace the Front Door

The first thing you see when you come upon your home is the front door.  An older style door can really date your home.  The front door of a home not only adds to the appeal of your home it is a big part of the home’s safety.  Consider replacing an older front door with a new steel or fiberglass front door with a little bit of artistry to add to the overall look of the home and entry way.

New Window Installation

New windows for a home can be quite expensive; most homeowners don’t consider replacing windows until they absolutely need to.  That however, can be a huge mistake.  Your homes windows are crucial in providing light, ventilation, and insulation.  New windows are a great way to improve the energy efficiency within the home while increasing the appeal to the exterior.  Windows are one of the first renovations to consider in older homes as advancements in windows with both durability and energy efficiency far surpasses that of older window technologies.

Maintenance: Roof, Gutters, Siding, and Landscape

Twice a year it is important to take time to do complete a thorough cleaning of the exterior of your home.  This is above and beyond the normal weekly maintenance.  A homes roof should be inspected and maintained at the beginning of spring and the end of fall.  This will ensure that any cracks in the caulking are filled, missing shingles replaced, and leaks are caught before causing damage to the structure of the home.

Gutters should be cleaned as well during this time to ensure that leaves and extra debris are removed, and the gutters are allowing water to properly flow away from the home.  There are many problems that come from improperly functioning gutters including ice dams that lead to roof and structural damage.

It is important to keep up on your homes exterior such as siding and masonry.  Power washing and touch ups should be performed as needed to prevent any major build ups of mold, algae, or fungus.  This will keep the siding in tip top shape both structurally and aesthetically.

Your homes landscaping is another element that cannot be ignored.  It is a huge part of the exterior view of your home.  Homeowners are wise to complete weekly maintenance such as mowing, weeding, and watering on-top of the chores that need to be completed at least twice a season such as tree trimming, edging, fresh mulch, separating over grown plants, and grass care.

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

Kearns Brothers

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Security In Pool Ownership With Aluminum Fence Installation

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to owning a swimming pool.  If you have a pool and it doesn’t have a fence it is crucial that one is installed sooner rather than later.  Not only is a fence around a pool required by law, there are a number of other factors that make a metal fence advantageous to install around your pool.

Government Regulations

Local and federal government regulations regarding pool safety including the installation of fencing.  There are guidelines in place that state in-ground and above-ground swimming pools must be protected by the installation of a barrier that separates the pool from the yard.  The barrier must be installed in a manner that makes it unable to be accessed by climbing over it and the barrier must be taller than forty-eight inches.  Most often homeowners choose to install fencing as the barrier between the pool and the landscape.  Aluminum pool fencing offers protection for you, your family, and others.

Prevent Unsupervised Access

Installing aluminum pool fencing prevents unauthorized entrance to the pool area without supervision. A fence keeps neighbors and outsiders from accessing the pool without your permission.  Another benefit to adding a swimming pool fence to your yard is that it prevents a potential accident from occurring.  Without an aluminum fence in place accidental drowning is more likely as there is free access to children and pets playing in the yard without direct supervision.  Which occurs simply from turning your back to grab some more lemonade for the kids or to grab a bowl of water for the dog.  We take our eyes off kids and pets sometime unintentionally; a metal pool fence offers additional security in events such as these.

Additional Safety

A fence installed around the swimming pool is one of the best decisions that homeowners can make.  Aluminum fencing ensures that children do not go swimming without supervision while providing a sense or assurance.  Fences prevent intruders, animals, and neighborhood children from entering areas that they are not allowed to enter.  It is also important to install a gate that is over forty-eight inches tall with self-closing and self-latching hardware to ensure that the fence closes on its own.

Responsibility

As a pool owner it is crucial to take the utmost care to limit access to the area.  Aluminum pool fencing is just the first step in a process of ensuring the area is safe.  The installation of a metal pool fence is fast, easy, and affordable; it also limits the liability of pool ownership.

Beautification

The installation of ornamental aluminum fence can emphasize the beauty of the pool and landscape.  Some homeowners worry about a fence drawing attention away from the pool however this is the farthest thing from the truth.  In fact, a decorative aluminum fence adds style, class, and elegance in addition to offer safety, privacy, and security.

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 metal pool fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

iFenceUSA

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Preventing Future Problems with Proper Roofing Ventilation

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Good roof ventilation is imperative, but many homeowners don’t understand why it’s so important.  When your roof is adequately ventilated, it lasts longer. In bad weather, the roof’s ventilation helps protect your roof from ice dam which occurs when the ice accumulated on the roof prematurely thaws. Ventilation also helps discharge heat that might build up beneath the roof and cause premature thawing of snow on the roof.

Release of Moisture

Other than conserving energy and protecting your roof from the effects of climatic changes, adequate ventilation protects all aspects of the roof’s structure by discharging moisture which could easily collect without proper ventilation.  During the summers or in extreme weather conditions, moisture is likely to get trapped beneath your roof. When moisture is trapped beneath the roof deck, it can cause all types of problems. Any metallic objects found in the roofing such as nails become vulnerable following exposure to moisture. Once these metallic elements are compromised your roof will start falling apart.

Complete Ventilation

Some ventilation techniques are better than others. When ventilation is poor, the sole purpose of having ventilation in the first place will be compromised. Part of your roofing structure with less ventilation will be more vulnerable to effects of climate change, moisture and other influences. Ensuring your roofing structure is ventilated in all the right places is the best way to protect your roofing and property from damage.

The ventilation on your roofing structure should help get rid of inconsistencies exhibited by methods designed to provide partial ventilation to your roofing structure.

Fixing problems that arise from poor roofing structures can be very costly and worse still, the damage already done might require that you replace your entire roofing structure. Ensuring that the roofing ventilation is adequate from the onset is the best way to safeguard your property and protect your roof.

Choosing A Certified Contractor

Ensure that you work with a certified contractor with experience when ventilating your roof. A good contractor will not just get the job done, but they will also do a superior job that will save you lots of money in the long term.

These are the key benefits of ensuring that your roof is well ventilated and staying safe from the drawbacks of a poorly ventilated roof. When the work is properly done, you will certainly enjoy your home for many years to come.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Comparing Digital Marketing to Traditional Techniques

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Proper search engine optimization doesn’t exist alone, it must be pursued as a bigger picture in marketing your website online.   Adequate doesn’t cut it in the competitive world of online business and therefore a comprehensive plan needs to be in place that concentrates on building your websites presence online.  This process combines several elements that come together to properly showcase your website to search engines to rank within the top ten organic search results.

Optimizing websites, otherwise known as SEO, has not been around that long.  It is interesting to note that marketing websites really didn’t become a popular idea in web exploration until around 1998.  Until then the concept of marketing evolved more from the point of view of a store front with products or services that business owners needed customers to know about.  The concept of the 4 P’s of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion were mainstream.  They concept of marketing evolved as the internet became a main stream way for business owners to conduct business.

Old school marketers, like myself, had been trained in a manner that did not involve e-commerce.  As the internet has become a more common element in day to day life the techniques that we use have also had to evolved.  Whereas a listing in the yellow pages of every county you serviced would have been a great tool to use back in the 80’s today most homes do not even have a phone book and many children under 18 have never been introduced to the yellow pages.

When it comes to knowing what a search engine is looking for in ranking your site it is impossible to come up with a solid formula to follow.  In SEO you must learn to be fluid and adjust what you are doing consistently as the times change and search engines become more aware.  For optimization to be effective you must truly be a savvy marketer that is willing to do what it takes to continually improve your website.

There truly is more involved in good SEO than driving traffic to your site. Not only does the traffic need to be able to find you but your site must offer them what they are looking for.  Your website must be engaging and offer the user something of value.  It is also crucial that the traffic that is making its way to your site is your target.  If you are selling cat food but the only people finding your site, even if they are finding it by the thousands, are people that love dogs and allergic to cats then it is ineffective.  With the competition that is found online it is imperative that the users that make it to your site are interested at that moment in what you are offering and are engaged in the information presented on your site.

The 4 p’s of marketing still exist in the digital marketing era.  Let’s examine this in a little more detail.

Product/Service

It is important that this element is defined before you are addressing your online marketing needs. Who are the customers that you are looking for; what are you offering them and how does it benefit them?  What are these consumers end goals; how does your product or service help them to obtain it.  Define the struggles that your market faces and what your product or service does to ease them.  Understanding who you are selling to and what you are selling is obviously a key element that needs to be defined before beginning any marketing campaign, especially online.

Price

A lot of research goes into determining a price point. The price that you will be able to charge is totally dependent upon the value that people perceive that they are gaining from your product or service.  All businesses are in business to make money unless of course you are non-profit.  The amount that is charge must cover costs and a profit.  The trick to this is that people must perceive your product or service to be worthy of this amount.  If people are only willing to spend $5 on your widget but it costs you $4.75 in overall expenses, it is up to you to decide if the profit of $.25 is enough in the end.  If you are selling widgets at $6 and people aren’t buying them it is obvious to see there is an issue.

Place

If you are running an online business, it is a must that the market for your product is online.  Will your consumers know to look for you online?  Does your business also service consumers at a physical location?  Does your website only offer information about your products or services or is it an e-commerce or a combination of both?  It is imperative that you define what is taking place on your site and determine if the targeted consumer is going to be able to find you where you are at.

Promotion

This is how your marketing message gets out to the public.  With traditional marketing this is done through print, radio and other types of advertising but in digital marketing it combines several avenues and making sure you reach all of them.  The internet is a combination of advertisements, paid and organic search results, information blogs, videos, and so much more.  Your job in SEO is to come up with a combination of sources to use to spread the word about your company.  If your target mainly uses videos to gain information, then only advertising on informative blogs is not going to be a solution for you as is the opposite.  You need to offer useful promotions, to users in sources that they will benefit from.

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.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Preventative LINAC Maintenance: Unscheduled Repairs Impact Treatment

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Radiotherapy engineers conduct preventative maintenance and repairs on equipment used for radiotherapy. Predictive and preventative maintenance of the complex equipment which includes linear accelerators, teletherapy systems, radiotherapy simulators, digital x-ray systems, among many more.

Quality management within a radiation therapy clinic involves maintaining, servicing and supporting linear accelerators. When a linear accelerator breaks down, the physician in charge or other clinic employees usually inform the support team who send engineers out to the location to do the repair. Unscheduled servicing on linear accelerators can have a significant impact on treatment. Patients going through radiation therapy should get the treatment at specific times. When linear accelerators malfunction, it means the patients must be moved to other centers for treatment or have their treatment rescheduled. As a clinic, this can have a negative impact on your business and it is, therefore, important to have the problem resolved as fast as possible.

To minimize the impact of downtown due to equipment failure maintenance must be kept up to date.  To decrease the impact of equipment failure we suggest:

  1. Reducing the processes involved in reporting the issue to the support engineers. Sometimes the process involved in reporting issues to the support engineers and have them dispatch people to five the machines can be too lengthy. The longer it takes to send a team over, the longer it will take before patients can receive treatment.
  2. When there are repetition and redundancies in reporting the incident, it takes the support engineers a long time to resolve the issue. Time is of the essence when making unscheduled repairs on linear accelerators.
  3. Cancer patients going through radiation therapy have compromised immunities because of the illness and the radiation treatment. If a Linear accelerator breaks down, the clinic might have to take patients to another facility for treatment. Moving patients who have a weakened immune system increases the risk of infection which could be detrimental to the patient’s health.
  4. Linear accelerators are critical for administering radiation therapy to cancer patients. When a linear accelerator needs to be fixed, it means patients who were scheduled to use that machine will not get their scheduled treatments and even if they do so from another center they will still be inconvenienced.

Ensuring cancer patients have access to treatment is extremely imperative. Linear accelerator support engineers cannot prevent breakdowns entirely, but rapid repair of the machines goes a long way in minimizing the impact on patients’ treatment.

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.

Acceletronics

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Characteristics of a Product Label That Will Go the Distance for Your Brand

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What is the first thing consumers notice about your product?  If you answered the products package and label you would be correct.  You want to grab the attention of consumers and one of the easiest ways this can be accomplished is through innovative packaging and eye catching labeling.  To help get your idea gears going we have compiled a list of objectives to consider when designing or re-designing your products label and packaging design.

Obvious Imagery

The absolute, most important aspect when it comes to marketing your product is clarity.  You need to make sure that what you are offering clearly comes across in the representation of your products image. If it is not completely obvious or consumers are confused about what it is that is being offered failure is imminent. An initial clear and precise representation is crucial to a products success.

Confident Use of Color

Not all products are best suited to use bold colors in their product packaging and label design.  The use of color is important in the overall design, but it is important that the coloring used conveys the desired message.  Color should be used to draw attention in on purpose and not in a manner that consumers are taken aback.  The use of bold colors when appropriate can be beneficial to promoting your product. They can also be detrimental when used incorrectly.

 Unique Elements vs Essential Elements

The perfect blend between what is required on a label and what adds interest is required for any product label that is hoping to stand the test of time.  Elements of a label that are necessary for sale can include: barcodes, ingredients, nutritional information, price, quantity, name of manufacturer, product name, and more depending on the type of product being offered.  The unique elements are what your product offers to its target market that the competition may not or how you do it better.   Add something quirky to individualize your product while bring attention to the unordinary aspects of your product.

Complimentary Fonts

Font choice is as important, if not more, than the images used on custom designed product labels.  Fonts that are chosen must be easily read while complimenting one another and matching the overall character of your product.   Choosing a font perceived as childish for an adult diaper label could give off the wrong message.  Adult incontinence is a very serious issue that should in no way should give off a vibe comparing it with children’s diapers. The wrong choice of font could do just that.

The product packaging and label set the overall tone of your product.  Be sure to incorporate elements that present it in the most positive light possible.  The wrong message being sent by your product label could spell disaster even if the product itself is amazing.

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at http://www.anchorprinting.com.  To contact one of our label specialists call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.

Anchor Printing

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What to Expect After LASIK?

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Laser vision correction is a surgical procedure used to reshape the cornea with an excimer laser. This type of surgery can be used on patients experiencing short sight, long sight or astigmatism. Laser vision correction is not an ideal solution for everybody and some people are not candidates for this type of surgery because of the severity of their problem or because of another medical issue. The best laser vision results mean that glasses and contact lenses will no longer be needed by the patient.

The Process of LASIK

One of the most common types of laser vision correction is LASIK or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. In a typical LASIK procedure, the patient will have numbing eye drops placed in the eye and then a lid holder applied to keep the eye open. A microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea, which is then bent back to expose the inner corneal tissue. The laser sends pulses of light to remove parts of the cornea while the patient focuses on another light to keep the eye as still as possible. The actual laser exposure time is usually less than a minute.

 

After the laser treatment, the corneal flap is repositioned. No stitches are needed because the flap will hold itself down when repositioned and heal itself. The patient is given an eye shield and eye drops and told to come back within a day or two, so the doctor can see if the eye is healing and whether there are any problems. The eye has great healing powers and it would be of great comfort to know that all corneal procedures, even complete transplants, do heal ultimately.

 

What to expect after the LASIK eye surgery

 

The post LASIK eye surgery period is just as important as the surgery itself. The cornea should completely heal. This takes time and requires a lot of aftercare, which should be done meticulously.

 

The average healing period after the LASIK eye surgery is approximately six months. During this period any vision problems that you may have been experiencing should have completely disappeared or at least considerably lessened. Complete healing of the corneal flap could take a bit longer, sometimes up to two years. But this should not give you any cause for discomfort or concern. Healing of the cornea is an ongoing process that does not or should not interfere with your vision or your daily life.

 

Usually there are a minimum of five follow-up visits are scheduled for most patients, post LASIK eye surgery. The first visit will most likely be within 24 hours of the surgery. It is of utmost importance to keep all these visits so that the doctor can keep track of the ongoing healing process and rectify any problems that may arise as you go along.

 

After LASIK eye surgery, it is natural to expect a little discomfort in your eyes, though you should not feel any pain. Part of the aftercare involves using eye drops to help alleviate this discomfort. This will have to be done for a minimum period of two to four weeks after the surgery.

 

Other common reactions that are common after undergoing LASIK eye surgery are a slightly blurred vision, feeling of dryness in the eyes, minor swelling and redness of the eye, sensitivity to bright light and watery eyes accompanied by a runny nose.

 

Tips to make this period more comfortable:

 

  • To get over the minimal discomfort that comes along with LASIK you can take any over the counter pain medication that does not contain aspirin such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
  • Give your eyes sufficient protection against sunlight or any bright light by wearing sunglasses when going out in the day.
  • Give your eyes as much rest as possible by getting some extra shut-eye for at least two to three days post-surgery.
  • The eye mask that was given to you needs to be worn immediately after the surgery for a minimum two to three hours and then during the next three to four days, it should be worn while sleeping.
  • During the first two weeks, all water sports, as well as all water-related activities such as whirlpools or hot tubs, should be avoided. Scuba diving should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks.
  • Your risk factor and the possible need for post-surgery rectifications depend on various factors, the most important one is the condition of your vision pre-surgery. If your vision had deteriorated there are higher chances that there will be some degree of complication in your surgery and you would be dissatisfied with the outcome. Also, if a small degree of astigmatism was present, the results could turn out to be unsatisfactory. Touch-up surgery is common and is normally covered by the initial cost, but the additional surgery is still an unpleasant thought.
  • As with any other surgery, there are no absolute guarantees with LASIK eye surgery too. Complete success is determined by many factors acting together, most important of which is each individual healing powers.
  • There are a few factors that act as a deterrent to anyone considering LASIK eye surgery. Anyone between 19 to 24 years of age is considered an unsuitable candidate for this procedure. As also anyone suffering from a condition such as diabetes, HIV or herpes or pregnant and breastfeeding women. LASIK eye surgery is not ideal if your eyes have been found to have thin corneas, refractive instability, or large pupils

 

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.

Michigan Lasik

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