Livingston Reporting - page 338

Perfecting The Handicap Ramp Layout

There are three common layouts for handicap ramps.  They are; a straight line, an L-shape and a switch back.  When deciding what ramp is best suited to a business or home it is important to look at the access and height that needs to be maneuvered.  One thing that is true in all cases is that the ramp should follow the path of travel most frequently used.  It should also be built keeping in mind all of the traffic using the entrance and exit.  This means in some cases stairs will need to be accommodated for in the design.

The first ramp and easiest to install is a straight line or in-line ramp.  This style is most common for buildings and homes that are accessed from level ground or just a few minor steps up.   The next style is an L-shape or dog-legged ramp.  This ramp will change direction ninety degrees at a landing spot and then hug back around for entry.  When a porch is involved with more than a couple of stairs this type helps to ease the angle for a wheelchair, walker, individuals with bad knees by keeping the strain even.  Large businesses and public buildings with many stairs are common places to see the switch back design.  This involves a one hundred and eighty degree turn from one platform to another.  This makes getting into places with many stairs and high entrances much easier for those using mobility devices.

What happens if a home or business is in need of a handicap ramp yet the entrances are not designed to accommodate one?  In cases such as this the best option is to create a new entrance for the ramp location.   An easier way to go about this is to look for a window that is in the position needed for proper placement of the ramp.  Then the window can be removed and the structure for a door can be put in place.  If a garage or porch scenario does not work to make the business or home handicap accessible then it is important another option be sought out.

It is important to look into keeping accessibility for other family members while adding on a handicap ramp.    This is particularly easy with an L-shaped or switchback designed porch.  Using landscaping materials it is easy for homeowners to disguise ramps and allow them to blend naturally into the original flow of the homes entrances.

Another tip that is particularly handy when it comes to climates that are less than desirable three hundred and sixty five days a year is to face the ramp in a southern facing location.  This will ultimately help with snow and ice melt.  It is important to look up also.  It is not advisable to put a handicap ramp in a location that will receive a ton of fall leaves, pine needles or cones.  One option to help minimize these nuisances is a canopy about the ramp.  This will add a bit of expense to the ramp but could save a lot in headaches caused by slippery ice and snow.

Running Fun With Vibram Five Finger Shoes

Recently a relative started running.  He jumped in and has not looked back yet.  Up to six miles a day, he is feeling better, eating healthier and has dropped twenty six pounds.  With him running the discussion of footwear came up.  The new craze is a type of shoe called Vibram Five Fingers.  They are designed for a more natural fit that encourages better foot position naturally.  Being a bigger guy he was a bit nervous to try them because so far his Asics were working fine but he agreed to try them.

Vibram Five Finger shoes are meant to be worn without orthotic inserts, without socks.  They are meant to be worn against runner’s bare feet to allow the foot to move like it would naturally.  It is not a shoe that you can jump right into wearing.  This is especially true for flat footed individuals and individuals with extreme arches.  As a runner works into wearing the shoes the muscles in the foot will adapt and strengthen.  This will help with the adjustment period.

Fortunately our guinea pig was anxious to start trying his out.  The first week of training in the Vibram Five Fingers he ran only ten minutes in them.  He claimed his feet were killing him after each use but new that some adjustment was going to take place and continued with the break in phase.  By the end of the week and into the second week the muscles were building strength and his lower legs and feet were beginning to lessen in pain.  He was still not completing his normal six miles just wearing the new shoes but was building up the tolerance.

Reading online people tend to work into their Vibram Five Finger shoes at different paces.  Some can completely switch in a few weeks while others take months to break their foot into the shoes.  Once an individual feels their endurance, muscle strength improve the results will be worth however long they have waited for it.  The increase foot and body strength will be noticeable and the shoes will be the ones getting the credit.

There are certain people that should not venture into the world of Vibram Five Finger footwear including people who use orthotics in their footwear, those with extreme pronation and individuals with webbed feet.  The shoe manufacturer does not have a way to manufacturer this shoe to meet the specific needs of individual client’s feet.   It is best if a runner does have some issues that require orthotics or have extreme pronation, under or over mention the interest in these new shoes to a foot doctor first.  As with any product it is not a one size fits all.

Our family was fortunate as we got to see our runner cross the line of his first five kilometer race wearing his new shoes.  What started out as a trend to try turned into a runner falling in love with this bare foot style running method.  Our family actually caught him wearing them around out at the grocery store.

Running Naturally

A body naturally moves from the day of conception.  When thinking about starting into the sport of running think about how natural it should feel.  It is something that your body was made to do.  As a toddler learns to walk the next move when balance has been truly acquired is running.  A body is meant to run and will run if given a bit of time and patience to work up to the demands running as a sport puts on the body.

Even though running is a natural athletic sport for a body the running form a body takes may not be as natural.  That is to say when watching a marathon that no two runners will look the exact same at the start, their stride and the finish.  This does not however, lead one to believe they can neglect thought on form when running.  There are certain main areas a runner will want to remember when perfecting their running form.

Just as an athlete taking up tennis for the first time a runner should research proper techniques involved in the sport.  The running form is something that needs a basic understanding before starting out.  Posture, breathing and foot positioning are all things that need to be looked into to decrease the risk of injury amongst first time runners.

One of the first things a runner needs to think about when running is proper posture.  In running this involves a relaxed upright position.  When running relaxed the body is allowed to move without tension and strain in the shoulders and neck.  The release of tension will allow the runner a better run.  It is important that runners hold their heads high and centered, making certain to not lean too far forward or too far back.  It is important that runners look in front of them instead of down at their feet while trying to relax the muscles in their face, neck and jaw.  The shoulder blades should not be pulled together but instead left to hang loose and parallel to the spine.

The next area of interest is a runner’s arms and hands.  A runner’s arms can become powerful and enhance the running form.  The most appropriate placement of arms and hands is off to the side elbows bent at ninety degrees pointed slightly away from the torso.  Tension should be released in the hands and the fingers should be cupped like they are holding a fragile object, such as a raw egg.  The arms should be swinging freely in a pumping fashion on the runner’s side.

Breathing is essential for any sport.  The breathing technique for each runner is different and is developed over time as the body adapts to the sport.  Some runners choose to do a deep breathing technique where the breathe comes from the stomach while others prefer a method that is more shallow and combines breathing through the nose and mouth.  A personal style will develop for each runner.  The best technique in general is inhaling deeply and then forcefully exhaling through tight lips.

Develop a stride, enjoy some upright positioning, swing your arms and breathe deeply. Enjoy running.  Developing a running form is one of the most important pieces of the sport and should be done with some knowledge, listening to the body and a bit of personal flair.

Difficulties In Finding A Perfect And Buildable Lot

When we were looking to purchase a home three years ago one thought was to build.  We were interested in doing this one time and only one time.  With kids we were interested in finding a school district we loved, a large enough floor plan and a home on the water.  Our criteria were specific so we really focused on property at first when our search began.

There was so much confusion in determining if a certain lot was buildable or not.  Many references we looked at told us as long as the local government would issue a building permit the lot would be buildable.  However true the above statement is it leaves out the facts that even though it is buildable the dream home you are thinking of building might not work on that lot.  A buildable lot only means that if the criteria are met for a home can go on it not necessarily the home of your dreams.

A land surveyor will be brought in by the seller of the land.  This will plot out all of the boundaries that exist.  This should help you get a feel for the layout that homes on that lot could be placed.  The seller should also provide a title insurance property which shows that the property has a clear title and can be sold free and clear.  A soil analysis should also be provided by the seller.  A clear soil analysis is needed for the lot to be buildable as well.

It is clear that you must decide which is most important to you the lot of land or the home. In many cases you can have both however if you fall in love with a lot of land and the location but the dream house does not work there determine if you are willing to settle for a different home. It is hard to find property to meet all dream requirements when looking at lots with acreage, water or access to certain points of interest.  If you have specific demands for the location then you may have to give a bit when it comes to the type of house that can be built.

Some restrictions on property that is deemed buildable can be but are not limited to; size, color, direction of the garage door, driveway materials, style of the home, siding material or even that you must include a garage.  This can be the trickiest part of all.  To determine if the lot of land you are interested in will fit the home you like it will take more research than just finding out if the land is simply buildable.  You will need to have a land surveyor, architect, contractor and local government officials out to inspect the property for any loop holes they might see in placing the home of your dreams on the property of your dreams.

My husband and I were way more focused on the location of the property than the home.  In the end after surveying many different land plots we decided that in order to get the property acreage we desired with a water front in the school district we were aiming for we would have to purchase an existing home.  The house was not in any way the dream home I had envisioned building however we made it work and now can’t imagine being anywhere else.  We spend little time inside anyhow with the brilliant yard and water activities beckoning us in the spring, summer and fall we have little time to worry about the things inside that were not what we exactly desired.

I am sure the same is true for those homeowners who dream of a home and never envision the outside.  If would work the same for them.  Every day they would wake up in the room of their dreams, drink coffee in the nook they envisioned and eat around the dining room they pictured making memories in.  They are outside so little that the yard has very little significance. When they are outside it is such an infrequent and insignificant matter that they barely look to see that it might not be everything they hoped it to be but it works and the sacrifice is worth it to them.

Hiring An Engineering Firm For Any Project

Hiring the right person or company to assist with any project no matter how big or small is always tough.  Companies spend thousands of dollars marketing themselves to individuals.  Flashy advertising and quirky websites are nice but how do you get to the heart of the firm or individual to make sure you are hiring the right individual for your needs.  This is true in every profession whether you are looking for a financial representative, a plumber, an accountant, builder and even an engineering firm.

For a project to reach its max success level the team implementing the plan must be skilled.  This is why you will want to take time in hiring any and all consultants and contractors to be working on the job.  Just because the head chef has a wonderful plan doesn’t mean dinner will be a success.  You need people in place that are qualifies to implement the plan.  The same is true for all projects and engineers are the ones we turn to when planning and implementing various projects from building bridges to distributing hot and cold water.  Finding a firm that will meet projects needs is where most business projects begin.

The first step in finding the right engineering firm for your company is finding a firm that specializes in the engineering discipline that your project requires.  It won’t take you long to realize that when building a tunnel an electrical engineer is not what you need.  Figuring out the type of engineers you need assisting with your project will be the first task in narrowing down the search for an engineering firm to work with.

The next goal is to look at the firms you have narrowed down and locate options that have previously established the proficiencies you are looking for in previous projects they have completed.  You should look into the experience of the firm, their certifications and qualifications.  It is also important that you thoroughly examine projects that have been completed by the firm that resembles your needs.

It is also important to speak with previous clients that the engineering firms have worked with.  Ask about issues, pleasant and unpleasant and how they were resolved.  This step should be done when you are fairly sure you have narrowed your choices down to three or fewer firms.

It is important to know exactly what you are getting and paying for when you hire an engineering firm. Not all engineering services are included in proposals so be sure to really examine that you are getting exactly what you need and are only paying for what you need also.  Different firms charge differently.  Some are based strictly on a project fee basis.  This means you pay a straight fee and that is it no matter what time frame the project takes while others wish for a retainer to be paid up front followed by an hourly fee.  If you are working on an hourly basis it is important to determine a fixed budget for the firm to stay within.

After you have taken these steps it is time to request a bid from the firms you have established fit your needs.  In the proposal you should provide an explanation if exactly what you are trying to achieve.  You must outline what your timeline is, the amount you are willing to spend, and requirements that get into your technical needs.  When an outsider reads your proposal should leave know rock unturned.  This will help you stay on budget and ensure that your project runs smooth from the start.

The Joy Of Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is different in each household.  It is the time of year to go extreme and get every dirt cell in your house.  I tend to flip out a bit because it is the one time a year that my husband and children are helpful in the duties involved in our home.  I take full advantage of this.  Our spring cleaning consists of each room getting one on one attention and then the house as a whole.  The carpet cleaners are called in along with the handyman that will power wash the house, deck and windows.  Our job is to make sure that all the hidden dust bunnies are removed so that for one day our house can glow.

The kitchen is my least favorite place to clean.  I do spot clean the stove top and microwave but I truly hate these tasks.  During spring cleaning however I buckle down and get to it.  I start by empting shelves and removing food from the pantry.  I create a mixture of bleach and water and wipe down everything.  I then go through the items from our pantry and get rid of anything older than six months and reorganize as I out things back into place.

Next we move all the appliances.  The under carriage of the fridge, stove and dishwasher are magnets for dirt, lost toys and all types of candy.  The fridge is next. We empty both the fridge and freezer and wipe all the seals and shelves down.  Food is gone through and eventually reorganized back into the fridge and freezer.  One thing we are good about is making sure that flour, sugar and baking goods are fresh but if you are not check them out and make sure that nothing is playing host to bugs.

Each bedroom is canvases also.  We start by empting the room out.  This allows us to vacuum underneath the bed, dressers, nightstands and the far reaches of the closets.  Once this has been done we go though the items that have been relocated neatly placing them back into place.  We dust everything, throw away clothes that don’t fit, get rid of toys and take all large bedding in for cleaning.  The bedroom is the best place to clean because that night when you go to pass out you are really breathing in the fruits of your labor.

The living areas are always a treat.  This is when ceiling fans get dusted and wiped down.  You can really tell a lot about a family by the amount of dust on their ceiling fan!  The couches are taken apart and vacuumed.  If we notice stains on the furniture this is a perfect time to make note of it.  When the carpet cleaners come out it is often inexpensive to have them do a piece of furniture.  The windows are done by professionals.  This is because we have yet to master the art and I cannot stand getting the Q-tips out for inside the window sills.  All of the fire alarms are vacuumed out and new batteries installed.  Faucet aerators are cleaned and drains are too along with furnace filters and vents.

The one thing I love most about spring cleaning is after we are all done the carpet cleaners come in do another thorough vacuuming and get to deep cleaning our carpets.  This is a sure way to make sure all residues from dead critters, dander, dust and every other gross carpet issue is done away with.  Carpet cleaners get to the core of the dirt, remove it and leave the house smelling fresh and looking like new.  Once the carpet cleaners leave I take it upon myself to go shopping for new mats for the entrances of the house.  Clean mats help keep feet clean which in turn keeps the carpet in better shape longer.

Don’t forget to donate anything and everything you have decided to part with.  Don’t leave it piling up in the garage.  Most likely that sale you have planned for the summer won’t happen because summer is the busiest time of the year. Take the tax deduction and make let others thrive off of your goods.  If you have not used it in a year or more it belongs in that donation pile.  We had a brand new ricer that was still in the carton that we had no ambition to use that ended up going into the donation pile.    It is also not to forget that a clean home keeps the members of your family breathing easier.  Enjoy it!  You might find yourself cleaning more often.

Are You An Engineer?

The rate of employment for engineers is gaining speed rapidly as growth continues throughout our society.  How do you know that engineering services is the field for you?  Obviously growth is an important factor.  You want to ensure the numbers are in your favor when looking for a position but also that the career is compatible to your wants and desires.  Are you technical?  Are math and science the two areas of greatest interest to you and do you like solving problems?  If so then you are most likely looking into the right field of study.

Engineers are found throughout many different fields.  The highest growth is found within civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer engineering.  It is important that you look into the different fields there are to choose from and wrap your studies around the engineering field that most interests you.

As an engineer you are in charge of one of two areas; either planning and developing or testing, constructing and preserving.  You might look at the influence of a product has on the environment in which it is being used. It could be that a new material will improve the process and your job is to find the product and implement it into a new design.  It may be that you are developing a way in which to use or gain access to raw materials.  Many people in supervisory roles within factories have engineering degrees.  Their jobs are to determine why things happen, maintain standards and give a time frame time and budget estimates.  Engineers are in charge of many different areas within a project.

What does it take from your education to land a job in engineering?  First you should know that even to land an entry level position you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a university.  In choosing a major make sure that is a field of engineering that interests you.  It might not be the one you end up with your dream job in but having the right qualifications can help in a similar area of engineering.

Most often engineers will hold a great deal of certifications and licenses.  It is important in engineering services to have the certification PE which stands for professional engineer.  In order to be an accredited engineer you must have graduated from a university program that has accreditation from the ABET, experience in the engineering field for four or more years, and have taken and completed with success an exam offered through your state.  Each state will have slightly different requirements so it is important to research before you attempt to apply for any license or certification.

In an entry level position you will be gaining hands on experience and familiarity of the position.  As you gain knowledge and trust you will be working alone more often designing, developing and solving issues.  As you move further up the ladder with an engineering firm you may become a specialist that offers technical advice or a supervisor that leads a team of engineers or technical advisors.  Engineers are in demand and with the right skill set, college education and entry level position you will be on top of your career ambitions in no time at all.

Is Our Society As Handicap Accessible As You Think It Is?

What are your assumptions when it comes to how accessible businesses are for the disabled?   Before I got hurt and had issues with my mobility I thought that handicap access was abundant.  I would see the four handicap parking spots at the front of the mall, see the electric scooters strolling around and see the only empty stall in the bathroom was handicapped accessible.  Sadly I was mistaken.  Although you see what looks like businesses following ADA guidelines they are compliant does not mean they are handicap convenient.

After an accident in which my son helped break my leg with a sled I quickly learned how inconvenient living in our society with a disability was.  I always assumed that seeing a handicap ramp outside of a business meant that I would enter and access would be unlimited however I learned that is not the truth.   When I had to use a wheelchair I found the handicap ramps convenient.  However when I moved onto my walker I realized that really handicap ramps were put off to the side and no in direct proportion with the entrance.  I couldn’t believe how inconvenient I was finding out life was with a disability.

My concerns did not stop there.  At grocery stores the electric scooters were all located at the front of the store which was excellent.  I could leave my walker where the scooter was and went about my business. The mall however was a completely different story.  The electric scooter I needed was in the middle of the mall and not at all convenient for me to maneuver to using my walker.  By the time I reached the counter my stamina was depleted and I was ready to be done with this trip to the mall. You would think that in this day and age business owners would realize the importance of making shopping convenient for those that were elderly and/or disabled.  The population of older clients is rising and businesses need to meet their needs in order to attract their business.

Another thing was how merchandise was displayed.  I found that it was very difficult to maneuver around the racks without leaving disarray where ever I went.  One trip in particular was difficult.  I was with my daughter and we were trying on clothes for a wedding we were to attend. Wheelchair access in dressing rooms is a joke.  The amount of room they give you to maneuver is minimal.  It was easier for me to order online, try the stuff on in my home and have my spouse take back what I did not want.  Is this really how our civilized society wants those with mobility difficulties to feel when they are out?

My limited mobility lasted for only three months.  For that I am incredibly grateful.  Those three months were an eye opener for my family and I.  We don’t take pity on those with disabilities or handicapped needs but are more compassionate to their needs.  It is important that we learn that handicap access goes far beyond parking issues, bathrooms and steps.  It is important for our society to look at things from different perspectives to really see what types of needs aren’t being met for individuals with disabilities.  I never wanted anyone to wait on me.  I wanted to be independent and fend for myself I just needed that to be possible and what I experienced made me realize that access goes well beyond a handicap ramp.

Get Your Body In Perfect Running Form

How do you know when you are running with correct form?  If you are new to the sport this question can be a bit tricky.  As with any sport it is good to get advice from a professional so that you can be sure you are getting into good habits off the bat.  It is harder to correct bad habits after they have been formed so it is important to get advice on running form right from the start.

Your entire body is involved in the sport of running, from your head to your toes.  It is important to realize that your perfect running form might look a bit different from other runners but what is important is that you are following some basic running rules.

Let’s start at the top of your body and work down, your head.  The way you hold your head is very important to how the rest of your body then aligns.  This also effects how efficiently your overall run is.  Remember to look out in front of you instead of looking down at your feet.  Watching where you are going is going to help your posture far more than if you are looking at where you are and have been.  This also helps keep your neck aligned straight with your spine bringing your whole body into perfect alignment.

Next we move down to your shoulders.  Shoulders are the key element in keeping your body loose and relaxed while running.  If you do feel your shoulders starting to get tense and creeping towards your neck it is best to breathe and take a second to shake out your shoulders.  Releasing built up tension is the ultimate reason people run.  You can help yourself relax and stay in the rhythm you are creating by keeping your shoulders loose and low.

Many people think running is a lower body sport.  However, including your arms is an absolute must in keeping a proper running form.  Your hands should be unclenched and relaxed with your arms moving forward and backward along to your stride.  Try not to move your arms across your body as this will hinder your posture. The best placement of the arms is a ninety degree angle next to your mid section.

The torso is another area that is affected by the positioning of your head, neck and shoulders.  If you are looking out in front of you with a relaxed shoulder your torso will automatically come along from the ride.  Make yourself as tall as possible in the torso region.  This will give your chest room to expand, encouraging air flow and circulation.

What about those hips?  Your hips will naturally align correctly if the rest of your body is doing what we have advised above. Don’t allow your hips and pelvis to tip forward.  This will put an abundance of pressure on your lower back causing your body to compensate with poor posture.

Your stride is created by your legs.  The proper stride length for your body will differ from that of you running partner.  Your feet should land directly underneath the body.  Then as your foot strikes the ground your knee should be slightly flexible so that upon impact in can take the force and distribute it evenly throughout the body avoiding injury.

Even your ankles and feet come into play when making sure you have the perfect running form.  This is easy to say but for some hard to execute.  The foot needs to land softly between the heel and mid section of the foot rolling forward to push off again.  Keeping your ankles flexible will help with this motion.  Never should you hear your feet hitting the ground.  You know your form is correct when it bounces off the ground with the feeling of a spring in your shoe.

Determining The Best Loan For Your Needs

Whether you are looking into commercial lending or personal lending you are looking at divulging your financial history to lenders who will determine if you are a viable risk.  Lenders look into your credit history by reviewing your credit report and look into your debt to income ratio to help determine at what rate your risk is worth them taking on.

If you have a credit score that is high with a low debt to income ratio you are an ideal candidate for commercial lending and personal lending.  What about the client with an average credit history and an average debt to income ratio? That is more likely the case in the current economy and the American way of spending.  It is still possible to obtain lending it will however cost you more and will be harder to obtain.  Special requirements such as a down payment, co-signer or collateral might be needed to obtain lending in certain situations.

It is important to know all aspects of lending and where to obtain lending.  In cases of commercial lending you are looking for eager investors or a lending company that is specially designed to help small businesses such as the loans given out through the SBA, small business association.

Personal lending is a bit different and can be obtained in several different methods.  It is your responsibility as a borrower to establish which method is best and most cost effective for the situation at the time.  The first network for borrowing which I think is interesting is a peer to peer lending network. This type of social lending is new and has certain requirements that must be met in order to borrow funds.  You must have a high credit score, be a citizen of the United States and your debt to income ratio has to be less than twenty five percent not including your current mortgage.  These are extremely high requirements to place on a loan but the rates you will obtain will hands down beat rates through other sources.

Next you can obtain a personal loan through your credit card company.  This is the easiest form of getting a loan basically every time you use a credit card you are taking out a personal loan against the company.  Although getting funds this way is one of the easiest lending methods it is usually costly with high interest rates and can lead to a never ending debt cycle.  Be careful when taking personal loans out against credit cards.  Make sure you can attest where the funds are coming from to pay off the credit card before taking on frivolous personal loans.

Banks, credit unions and financial institutions are a very common place to obtain a personal loan.  However you will need to determine the fixed or variable rate at which a loan will be obtained, the fees to get the loan and the rate at which the loan will be paid off at.  It is also requires time and diligence on your end in regards to paperwork before a loan is even able to be obtained.

Friends and family members are an easy go to answer in personal lending.  Remember however that these loans can be risky to your relationships with the people you are borrowing form.  It is best to have a formal agreement to discuss repayment and terms of the agreement.  Although this is an easy way to obtain a personal loan make sure that it is one that can be repaid or you could jeopardize a relationship.

Payday loans are popular in the lending environment today.  However convenient they do present large financial gains to the lender which means you will be paying for it in the long run.  It is quick, easy cash without any need for a credit check but will require large fees and expensive term agreements.  This should be used as a last resort and then even considered risky and unnecessary.  Payday companies are known for preying on those in need and often use this tactic to lure people in which leads to larger personal debt and financial ruin for clients.

It is obvious that personal lending options are out there for people of all different financial and term requirements.  It is up to you as a consumer to explore your options and obtain a loan based on term agreements that are fair and just to both the lender and the loan recipient.  Ask questions and understand everything before you sign and accept a loan agreement.  This is true not only with personal lending but also commercial lending as well.