Livingston Reporting - page 222

The Importance of Product Packaging and Labeling

In business there are always a million and one questions that need to be addressed.  It is important when you are selling a new product or rebranding an existing product that the products labeling and packaging are thoroughly evaluated.  Product labels and packaging have a strong impact in the marketing mix.  It is crucial that product labeling conveys the message that the company is trying to send to consumers.  The appearance of the product is what draws many initial purchases while the products quality creates repeat purchases.

Packaging plays the important role of protecting the company’s product from damage.  Not only does the package offer protection during transit from the manufacturing facility to retailer but also while it is on displayed on store shelves and transported for end user consumption.  Most products that consumers will purchase have some type of packaging.  Crackers for instance have a package in which they are sold to consumers in and a separate package for transport while produce may only have a package for transit but not for sale.

The attraction of your product mainly comes from the way in which it is labeled.  The products label is used to market your product to consumers.  Companies do extensive research to determine the best options in color scheme, logo design, label material and overall product packaging to appeal to consumers.

Another important role that product labeling and packaging has is to promote the product and key information about it.  The label may contain a list of ingredients, recommended uses, pricing, company information and additional information that consumers need to make an educated purchasing decision.  This detailed, factual information about the product propels the purchase on its own without assistance from a direct sales person.

Brands need to stand out from one another.  Choices in package and label design ensure that competing products are differentiated from one another.  The colors used on the label and packaging, along with distinct branding marks, such as a company logo, help consumers to tell the difference between similar products that are shelved close together.  The idea behind this being that consumers should easily recognize the brand and product by the packaging and label colors and design upon initial site.

Shoppers use all of their senses to identify specific company brands.  This propels them to purchase the product.  When a company looks to redefine its brand it should consider the residual effects of completely changing the colors, logos and distinguishing markings on the products packaging and label.  It is crucial to remain true to the products original identity to a point when considering a change to the products package or label because consumers find a certain level of comfort in familiarity.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Dispelling Aluminum Fencing Myths

There are many misconceptions when it comes to aluminum fencing.  It is however important that homeowners recognize that aluminum fencing is in fact one of the best materials available in fencing especially when it comes to ease of installation.  Whether you are enclosing a pool, creating a perimeter border around your backyard or enhancing your existing landscape you can’t go wrong choosing to install aluminum fencing.

In this installment on fencing we will look to dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions that are associated with aluminum fencing.

The first misconception that is thrown around quite a bit when it comes to aluminum fence is that it is not nearly as strong as steel.  Not only is aluminum as strong as steel it offers that strength at a quarter of the weight of steel fencing.  In fact, it should be noted that the strength to weight ratio of aluminum fence panels is equivalent to the same density of steel.  Steel fencing may be stiffer and heavier but both fencing materials are made to withstand diverse conditions and climates.  Both steel and aluminum fencing are strong and highly durable.

Another common myth that is thrown around when talking about aluminum fencing is that is easily rusts.  This is in fact untrue; aluminum fencing does not rust.  Aluminum fencing is powder-coated therefore homeowners do not have to worry about rust or oxidization for the entire lifespan of the fence.

I often hear that landscapes with slopes and hilly terrain are not appropriate for aluminum fencing.  This again is untrue.  Aluminum fencing is designed to fit an number of slopes, inclines and uneven terrains.  With advancements in technology aluminum fencing rails are able to follow along the ground while the pickets in the fencing remain vertical.  This allows continuity to be maintained so the look of the fencing is not disrupted.

Another misconception that is common to hear when discussing aluminum fencing is that it doesn’t hold up well over a long period of time.   This is totally false.  In fact homeowners are said to repeat purchase aluminum fencing over any other material in fencing when purchasing materials to install at a new residence.  Powder-coated surfacing, low maintenance and resistance to wear and tear make aluminum fencing a popular repeat purchase.  It is the number one choice for homeowners looking to enclose a pool area just because it is so durable!

Aluminum fencing does cost a bit more initially then other fencing materials, this is true.   There are some things to consider when discussing this in more detail including the low cost of maintenance and the ability to install it on your own without hiring a professional contractor.  What aluminum fencing may cost you above and beyond other fencing materials is comparable to the labor expense in of other materials.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Making An Educated Buying Decision In Fencing

It is important when choosing aluminum fencing that you make and educated decision that is right fence for your home and landscape.  With the number of options included in aluminum fencing from styles, colors and alternatives in picket spacing and such it can get a bit overwhelming to determine exactly what you should order.  In this installment we will discuss, in depth, how homeowners can make sure they are choosing the right aluminum fencing for their home and landscape.

As a homeowner it is important that you establish exactly what you are aiming to accomplish with the installation of an aluminum fence.  What are you looking to keep in verse out of the yard?  Picket width and spacing are important elements especially when the fence is being installed to keep pets or children within the boundaries of your yard.

There are pros and cons of all fencing materials.  Aluminum fencing has several advantages over competitive fencing materials.  For one aluminum fencingrequires very little time and money to be spent on maintenance and upkeep.  Aluminum fencing maintains its color and aesthetic value without any added paint, staining, yearly cleaning etc…    On top of the low maintenance required of aluminum fencing it is affordable, easy to install and available in a number of combinations that allow it to be custom designed for your landscape.

Consider the style of your home when choosing an ornamental aluminum fence style that works best for your home and landscape.  Do you prefer something modern, contemporary or classic?  What is the style of your home and what elements do you wish to highlight?  Choose decorative aluminum fencing that will complete and compliment the overall look that you are going for to enhance the appearance of your home and landscape.

When you are installing aluminum fencing you are doing so for a general purpose. Most often the purpose that homeowners give is that they are looking to establish the boundaries between their property and the neighbors.  It is important to be considerate to your neighbors when placing an aluminum fence.  Establish the property line using an agreed upon property surveyor and stack out the proposed layout of your fence.  Speak with your neighbor to address any causes of concern prior to ordering your fence.  If there is a dispute it is better settle prior to beginning the installation process.

As materials in fencing come, aluminum fencing is one of the simplest for installation and most appealing aesthetically.  Contact an online aluminum fence wholesaler today to get started on your aluminum fencing project.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Establishing Property Lines With Aluminum Fencing

When it comes to your property it is important to establish well defined boundaries between your home and those of your neighbors.  One way to do this is with the installation of an aluminum fence.  The fence acts as a natural extension of your home and offers you the added benefits of privacy and security while increasing the aesthetics of the property.

One of the easiest materials in fencing to install is aluminum.  If you are a homeowner who is interested in do it yourself projects then look into wholesale aluminum fencing options online.  Aluminum is not only easy to install, it also offers sleek clean lines, multiples styles and colors to choose from, is extremely low maintenance and offers several options above and beyond other fencing materials.  In order to install any type of fencing to your landscape there are some clear tips that homeowners should follow in order to simplify the process.

It is important to establish your property line before placing an order for aluminum fencing.  This may seem like common sense but the property line is not something to guess about.  Many disputes between neighbors have begun because of estimated property lines.  It will cost you more to rip out a fence that is placed on your neighbor’s property then to hire a professional land surveyor in the first place.  Know exactly where your property lines are before getting started.

Before starting the actual installation process talk with your neighbors.  It is important to be sure they understand that a fence is being erected and that they are on board with the project. Some neighbors agree to share the expense of the fencing that is mutual.  This may be the case in your situation.  If you want to keep peace with your neighbors it is always a good idea to have a quick conversation about updates and upgrades that are being done especially when they could be affected by the noise and commotion.

Another common mistake is forgetting to call the utility companies to mark off underground utilities.   Homeowners will want to be sure that they are digging around all lines and pipes that are underground.  Avoid doing so and hitting a line could cause a myriad of avoidable issues from ensuing.

Take a walk around the fence line prior to installation and remove any and all obstacles that stand in the way of an easy fence installation.  Account for large slopes in the property as well.  Take the time to stake out the area.  Place wooden stakes in the ground and run line between them to double and triple check that all obstacles are removed from the line in which the fence is to be installed and that the slopes in the landscape has been thoroughly accounted for.

When it comes to actually installing your fence start by placing the posts first as this will allow you to visualize the fence set up and ensure that the number of fence panels that have been ordered are correct.  One way to ensure accuracy is to run a string between the posts as they are placed and measuring and measuring again as you continue to install posts.

Aluminum fencing is honestly the easiest of all fencing materials to install.  Once the posts are dug and put into place the aluminum fence panels are set to slide right into place without hassle.  If you have any issues during the installation process take a step back to call and speak with your online wholesale aluminum fence representative.  They will be able to help guide you through the process and help you troubleshoot issues as they arise.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Radio Surgery Verse Radiation Therapy

Linear accelerator machines, LINAC for short, are used to generate radiation in the form of high energy x-rays.  The LINAC systems general purpose is to deliver radiation in a direct, concentrated form.  They target cancer treatment specifically to the tumor without damaging the healthy tissues that surround the tumor.  Modifications can be done to the machine for it to be used in radio surgery and IMRT, intensity modulated radiation therapy.

Linear accelerator equipment can be dedicated or non-dedicated.  A dedicated LINAC machine is one that has additional equipment attached permanently that allows it to perform higher levels of radiation treatments.  This is the method that most radiation oncologists prefer to use.  A non-dedicated LINAC machine is one that can be used for conventional radiation therapy and converted to allow higher levels of treatment.  A non-dedicated LINAC system does not offer the same degree of accuracy in treatment that a dedicated linear accelerator does.

Radio surgery can be performed with linear accelerator machines.  Radio surgery involves a surgical procedure that neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists perform together.  This procedure often takes an entire day to perform.  The whole procedure involved immobilization, scanning, planning and the actual surgical procedure itself.  The amount of radiation given in one dose of radio surgery is less than the amount that would be given in traditional radiation therapy. The tumor that is being treated is given a much higher one time dose in radiation surgery whereas radiation therapy offers smaller doses more often.

The lower does in radiation therapy is important because of the number of times the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous tumor is exposed to.  The side effects of too much radiation exposure on healthy cells can be permanent and incredibly dangerous.  Lower dose radiation therapy can result in poorer outcomes due to lower tumor control than what is seen in the higher single dose given during radio surgery.

More often than not the technology used in LINAC machines is best utilized in sessions over a period of time.  This is done to allow as little damage as possible to occur to the healthy tissues.  In between treatments the healthy tissue is allowed to heal and repair itself while the cancerous tumor shrinks and essentially dies.  The amount of radiation given over time may be more than that of radio surgery with this technique.  Is important to note that only your oncologist can say which treatment option is better for you cancer and unique situation.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Using a LINAC Equipment For Radiation Treatment

A linear accelerator is used in medical facilities to deliver radiation therapy to patients going through cancer treatment.  The LINAC system zeros in on a patient’s tumor to distribute high energy x-ray beams directly.  This type of treatment is designed to destroy the cancerous tumor while keeping the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor in the best possible condition.

Linear accelerators are used remedy cancer in numerous locations throughout the body.  There are a number of options in delivery of radiation using LINAC systems such as conventional techniques, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy, Image Guided Radiation Therapy, Stereotactic Radio Surgery and Stereotactic Body Radio Therapy.

2 dimensional planning is done through imaging that is flat.  The tumor is centered and a rectangle is drawn where the imaging is to be concentrated.  With 3 dimensional planning the tumor is shown as a real time image.  The tumors can be treated more precisely than in 2 dimensional imaging because of the perspective that is given between the cancerous tumor and healthy organs.  This means that treatment can be given without too much toxicity to the healthy tissues surrounding the tumor.  Multi-leaf collimators are thin computerized blocks that attach directly to the LINAC system head and are used to shape the radiation beams to the geometric shape of the tumor.

A linear accelerator works without radioactive isotopes.  The LINAC system uses a combination of x-rays and radiation.  The benefit of linear accelerators is that radiation is only on when the machine is on.  This creates a much safer method of delivering radiation especially to the technicians in charge of delivery.

Another benefit that comes along with radiation treatment delivered using linear accelerator equipment is the speed at which treatment can be given.  More and more patients are requiring radiation therapy.  When using a LINAC machine radiation treatment time decreases to around five minutes from other standard treatment methods that take upwards of forty to fifty minutes.  The speed is not only beneficial to the medical facility as they can offer more treatments per day but also for the convenience of the patient.

Linear accelerators are a necessary piece of equipment for medical facilitates looking to improve efficiency, safety and quality of care.  LINAC systems deliver radiation that is used in treating a variety of cancers from brain cancer to prostate cancer.  With the precise techniques that radiation oncologists perform the treatment of cancer has become more successful.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Linear Accelerators Are A Key Element In Treating Cancer

Radiation therapy using linear accelerator technology continues to offer a key element in the treatment of numerous cancers and conditions. It is crucial to note that over half of all cancer patients will receives some form of radiation therapy treatment during the course of cancer treatment. There are a number of steps that are taken to ensure patients are treated safely and as effectively as possible while receiving radiation using LINAC equipment.

One of the first steps that will be taken if your physician believes radiation therapy is to be a part of your treatment plan you will meet with a trained, professional radiation oncologist. A radiation oncologist is an expert that specializes in the treatment of cancer and other conditions requiring radiation. During this first official visit patients should expect the following:

The radiation oncologist will first meet with you, the patient, to go through your entire current and past medical history. Next the oncologist will want to discuss the family’s medical history. It is important to note any history of cancer within your family. Imaging results that were taken recently will be evaluated by the oncologist while they also do a complete physical examination. After this is complete the physician will assess the need for radiation therapy along with the outcome that can be expected after treatment. The radiation oncologist will talk to the patient and their family about the benefits and risks associated with the radiation therapy option using LINAC equipment. Finally you, the patient, will be able to ask questions that they have. This is all done during the consultation phase of treating cancer with linear accelerator machines that specialize in radiation therapy treatments.

In order to ensure that your treatment is both safe and effective the treatment has to target the exact location of the cancerous tumor verse the healthy organs and tissue. During simulation the patient is required to lie still in the same exact position they will be in during treatment and undergo CT, computed tomography, or other imaging technologies to determine where the tumor lies. At this point they may choose to mark the patient’s body to help with the accuracy of treatment. A custom device is created for immobilization such as facial masks, head rests and form fitted body molds to help keep the body in the same position throughout the entire radiation treatment session. To protect the tissue and organs that are healthy blocks and shields are created. A tool such as the multi-leaf collimator is used to shape radiation beams to target the cancerous tumor.

In the next installment we will continue to look deeper into planning, dose calculations, treatment, follow up after radiation treatment therapy and more.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment.  For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

Precise Cancer Treatment Found With Linear Accelerators

In the year 1956 the first medical linear accelerator was used in treatment for the first time in the Western Hemisphere. It was developed at Stanford. As technology continues to advance, LINAC equipment is keeping track as the most superior radiation therapy option that is obtainable today. Linear accelerators manufacture and distribute radiation with undeniable exactness that until 1956 was unavailable. Treatment using LINAC equipment is precise up to the millimeter.

Linear accelerator, with its advanced technology is used in all the most advanced radiation treatments. Working in conjunction with computers LINAC equipment can create highly sophisticated, goal oriented radiation therapy treatments including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT).

Revolutionary treatments are altering the ways in which cancer is being treated. Radiation therapy is now an option for numerous types of cancers. More cancer patients than ever before can take advantage of the radiation therapies available today. Exactly what is it about radiation therapy using linear accelerator technology that makes this possible?

Radiation oncologist therapists take images using digitized technology, both two dimensional and three dimensional images, to layout where the cancerous tumors lay within the healthy surrounding tissues and organs. This allows for incredibly targeted radiation treatment for the cancerous tumor without affecting the healthy tissues and organs surrounding it. With the accuracy of linear accelerator equipment patients are only required to hold still for approximately ten minutes while they receive the targeted treatment.

Interfacing with computers, LINAC equipment can create highly developed, objective radiation therapy treatments. The computer systems are advanced enough that the technology stores information about the patients and the treatment they are receiving to help oncologists and radiation therapists chart a detailed course of action to follow.

The benefits of using linear accelerators in radiation treatment over other options are abundant. One of the most basic advantages is the benefit of comfort and personalization. To ensure that cancer patients receiving treatment are as comfortable as possible while receiving treatment they are given full sized molds that have been personalized to their exact specifications. This allows patients the ability to be stabilized during radiation therapy treatments. When treating cancers in the brain a full sized mask is fitted to the patients face to allow it to sit comfortably in the position that is the most optimal for treatment. Most facilities also allow radiation technologists sooth patients by playing music during treatment as well.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment.  For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

Mistakes To Avoid With Medicaid and Nursing Homes

When it comes to understanding the federal laws surrounding Medicaid there are many provisions that are made to protect the applicant’s spouse.  Many are unknown and therefore couples fail to take advantage of them.  Without knowing these provisions couples can lose upwards of thousands of dollars unnecessarily putting themselves into poverty in order to pay for their spouses nursing home care.  In this installment we will discuss the mistakes to avoid with Medicaid and nursing homes.

Avoid purchasing assets that are exempt before admitting a spouse into a nursing home facility.  One of the protections for Medicaid applicants is known as the community spouse resource allowance or CSRA for short.  A community spouse is the term that Medicaid uses for the spouse of the applicant.  Exempt items include a couple’s residence, vehicles, household goods, medical equipment, jewelry and a few other specific items.

Non-exempt assets are items such as checking and savings accounts, CD’s, mutual funds, savings bonds and such.  These non-exempt items are subject to spend-down where as the exempt items are not.  To avoid issues from arising from this mistake it is important to wait until after a spouse has been admitted to a qualifying facility to buy any asset that is considered exempt.

Another common error make in Medicaid planning is failing to make use of the non-exempt assets to protect the spouse’s income.  Federal protection is in place to protect the community spouse that is known as the MMNA or monthly maintenance needs allowance.  Many spouses have an income below the MMNA.  It makes sense to use non-exempt assets to raise the community spouse’s income.  It is crucial that couples make it a goal to obtain and maintain income for the remaining spouse who could potentially live for another twenty plus years.

Before spending down assets it is important to meet with an elder law attorney that is experienced in Medicaid law and planning.  An elder law attorney can help couples determine how to use assets that might not otherwise be spent down to provide an income for the spouse.

It is a mistake to spend down Medicaid exempt resources such as an individual’s IRA.   If couples use these exempt funds to pay for care they are basically wasting funds that the other spouse could benefit from in the future.  A couple should never spend down assets without knowing for sure what is exempt and what is not.  Doing so could truly jeopardize the future of the spouse that is not seeking care from a nursing home facility.

Another mistake that can occur comes from having an insufficient power of attorney in place.  When couples who are married seek Medicaid approval they have up to ninety days to make transfers of money and property to the community spouse.  If a proper power of attorney is not in place at that time savings opportunities can be lost forever.

Speak to an elder law attorney specializing in Medicaid planning today.  This will help ensure that in future if something does occur with a loved one that all the proper steps are in place to be sure the process of getting Medicaid approval is quick and painless.  It will also help to guarantee the community spouse can remain living at their current standard of living without jeopardizing either spouse’s quality of life.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.

Tough Questions To Be Prepared For In Estate Planning

Just the words “estate planning” can be painful for some people to hear let alone participate in.  There are few people in the world ready to address their mental demise or mortality.  Facing these truths is difficult.  Even though it is difficult, it is important to address the issue with an estate planning attorney sooner rather than later.  Estate lawyers know the tough questions that need to be asked. Some of them may make you actually squirm in your seat.  Think about the following issues preparing for your estate planning meeting.

One of the toughest questions has to do with children.  If you have children it is important to come up with a detailed plan of who will be in charge of raising your children should both of you pass away.  Many people have been known to wait to plan their estate until their children were older just because it was too difficult to face the answers to that question.

If parents fail to assign a guardian then the court will be in charge of deeming the best interest of your child.  This is not ideal as you know your children and family arrangements better than the judge does.  When it comes to assigning guardianship to for your children don’t wait.  It is better to face the most difficult questions head on and pray that this part of the estate plan never needs to be executed.

Another issue that is hard to address when it comes to estate planning is preparing for where your estate will go if there is an unfortunate event in which the most important people in your life die with you.  If your spouse and children die with you where do you want your estate to go? Do you have siblings, parents or extended family to pass your estate to or should it go to a charitable cause?  What if you haven’t made time to develop relationships?  It is hard for some people to address the possibility that they have yet to establish relationships and in estate planning this can cause issues.

Estate planning attorneys will want to know about any family that is not mentioned in the estate.  It is crucial that the attorney drawing up your estate is aware of any and all potential objects of your bounty.   Any person that objects to the estate plan and is not addressed can wreak havoc on the plan that you have established.  It could cause additional emotional and financial issues with your family if they are not addressed accordingly in your estate plan.

Another hard issue that is hard to consider when drawing up an estate plan is the relationships that one may be having outside of their family unit.  Some spouses have been known to carry on extra marital relationships.  If assets have been purchased within the extra marital union there could be future complications that should be addressed.  There are certain legal obligations that come about with these relationships so it is important to address the issue with your attorney.  You won’t be able to establish the detailed plan you need to without addressing all issues that could present themselves upon your passing.

There are many uncomfortable issues that need to be addressed in estate planning.  It is difficult to process mortality but to address the nature of the relationships outside of our day to day when planning for the inevitable is even more difficult.  There are many situations that can be mediated before becoming bigger than they need to be if they are addressed ahead of time in legal documentation such as an estate plan.  This is one of the reasons it is so important to be sure that you meet with an attorney to go over a plan of action with your estate if you should become unable to make decisions on your own or you pass early.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.