Livingston Reporting - page 48

Solar Growing for American Utility Grid

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

According to the 2021 Utility-Scale Solar Report published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Library, large solar installations delivering energy to the electrical grid are on the upswing.

During 2020, the sector boasted 14 gigawatts (GW), equivalent to 73 percent of all new solar power. Solar power was the second-largest source of electricity-generating capacity additions in 2020 for projects of all sizes. Wind power was first, at 42 percent, and natural gas third, with 19 percent.

The study said, “It was the year with the greatest utility-scale solar capacity expansion in the United States so far, representing a year-over-year growth of 65 percent.”

The report stated, “Utility-scale PV is well-represented throughout the nation, with the exception of upper-Midwestern states in the ‘wind belt. Recent recipients of new utility-scale solar projects in the north—Idaho and Minnesota—did not add new capacity in 2020, while Montana, the Dakotas, Iowa, New Hampshire, and West Virginia still await their first utility-scale solar projects.”

Strong growth in the utility-scale solar pipeline is anticipated, as 460 GW of solar projects in the queue existed at the end of 2020.

The authors wrote, “Solar – both standalone and in hybrid form – is by far the largest resources within these queues, roughly equal to the amount of wind, storage, and natural gas combined.”

Are you exploring solar panels for your home or business? Contact State Electric today to add some green energy to your utilities.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

State Electric Co.

Dried Goji Berries Can Prevent Age-Related Vision Loss

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A small, randomized trial by the University of California, Davis, found that people who regularly eat a small serving of dried goji berries might see prevention or delay of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in healthy, middle-aged people.

Affecting over 170 people globally and roughly 11 million throughout the United States, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in elderly people.

Glenn Yiu, a co-author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, said, “AMD affects your central field of vision and can affect your ability to read or recognize faces.”

Research concluded that 13 study participants ages 45 to 65 increased the density of protective eye pigments after eating 28 grams (a handful) of goji berries five times per week for 90 days. Eating goji berries increased eye pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, which filter out harmful blue light, provide support through antioxidant protection, and protect aging eyes.

Lead author Xiang Li, a doctoral candidate in the Nutritional Biology Program, said, “Lutein and zeaxanthin are like sunscreen for your eyes. The higher the lutein and zeaxanthin in your retina, the more protection you have. Our study found that even in normal healthy eyes, these optical pigments can be increased with a small daily serving of goji berries.”

Goji berries are commonly used in Chinese medicine to “brighten” eyes through lutein and zeaxanthin. Dietary supplements containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin are used to treat intermediate stages of AMD.

“Our study shows goji berries, which are a natural food source, can improve macular pigments of healthy participants beyond taking high-dose nutritional supplements,” said Yiu. “The next step for our research will be to examine goji berries in patients with early-stage AMD.”

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Michigan Lasik

PFAS Will Soon Be Regulated by EPA

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Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down naturally through time. These toxic chemicals have been found in water supplies in communities statewide. It is in the blood of 99.9 percent of all inhabitants on Earth.

Until now, there have not been any stringent standards for PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon regulate these human-made toxins that pose severe and life-threatening health risks for millions of people. In 2016, a recommended (yet unenforceable) health advisory limit was set at 70 parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water. Now, scientists are saying those levels are unsafe for human health. With the new standards set by the EPA, local water utility companies will encounter consequences if they do not follow them.

PFAS can be found in much more than water; they have been used for decades in Teflon pans, fire retardants, cosmetics, dental floss, food packaging, clothing, cleaning supplies, and much more. With the new regulations, manufacturers will be required to provide specific data about the chemicals they use to create their products.

By 2023, the Defense Department will complete preliminary evaluations of possible PFAS contamination in roughly 700 different installations. The Food and Drug Administration, as well as the Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments, are both researching the health effects of PFAS.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, “This is a really bold set of actions for a big problem. This strategy really lays out a series of concrete and ambitious actions to protect people. There are concrete steps that we are taking that move this issue forward in a very aggressive way.”

PFAS can lead to infertility risks, thyroid disease, cancer, developmental problems in children, and much more. A 2016 study by scientists at Harvard University found that drinking water supplies for more than six million Americans had highly unsafe levels of PFAS.

The study’s lead author, Xindi Hu, said, “Virtually all Americans are exposed to these chemicals. They never break down. Once they are released into the environment, they are there.”

Robert Bilott, an environmental attorney whose story was made famous by the movie “Dark Waters,” when he successfully sued DuPont on behalf of plaintiffs exposed to PFAS in Ohio and West Virginia, said, “I do believe that in this term, we will make significant progress on this issue. I hate to be cynical, but I’ve been seeing this for 20 years. It’s massively overdue. It’s decades overdue. This is a huge public health threat, and it’s something that has just gone on way too long.”

More than likely, you have PFAS in your drinking water. Contact the water purification experts at Reynolds today – we can ensure your water is clean, pure, and safe from chemicals.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Reynolds Water

Signs of Mice in the House

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Mice are the most common rodent found in peoples’ homes. Using whatever materials they can find to make their nests, these pests invade homes by squeezing through tiny holes and voids within walls or other areas. They can also gnaw through drywall and insullation with ease.

Mice prefer to snack on grains, fruits, seeds, crackers, nuts, and other dried goods. Depending on what’s available, mice will chow down on just about anything, including insects, food scraps, and more.

Numerous issues can result in a home due to the presence of mice. From physical damage to your cabinets, electrical wiring, insulation, papers, boxes, and other materials to health hazards, mice should be removed from your infrastructure as soon as possible. Mice carry microbes and pathogens which can be transmitted to humans, such as hantavirus. They can also trigger asthma in humans if allergic.

Foraging for food isn’t the only reason mice infiltrate your home; they are also looking to build nests and raise their pups. Mice can reproduce swiftly, as females can give birth up to six babies every three weeks.

Especially during the cold winter months, mice can cause extensive damage to a home. Moreover, mice can get into your garage and climb in your vehicles to stay warm, chewing and nesting near the engine.

Do you think you have a mouse in your house? Here are some signs:

  • Damaged or chewed-through food boxes or food with nibble/teeth marks
  • Nests made from shredded napkins, boxes, papers, etc., found in drawers, closets, and more
  • Tiny, thin oval feces droppings
  • Electrical damage within walls or under the hood of your car
  • Oily marks on walls or tiny footprints on the floor

If you spot one or more of these signs, you might have a mouse problem. Take action by cleaning up crumbs, storing leftovers, sealing holes, removing nests, etc. To remove them altogether, you will need to call a professional.

At Northern Pest, our techs are expertly trained and ready to remove rodents from your home or business. Contact us to get rid of mice invaders today!

Northern Pest is a local, family-owned and operated insect and wild animal control company spanning six counties in Michigan’s central upper peninsula. We’ll help you find the least-invasive and most cost-effective plan to handle any irritating pest problem affecting your home or business. We are licensed and insured to provide pest control services, building maintenance, and repair work caused by wildlife damage. As a comprehensive animal and insect control company, Northern Pest is honored to give our customers peace of mind by providing solutions for troublesome wildlife. Contact us today at www.northernpest.com or call 906-553-4841 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Northern Pest

Hand Injuries Resulting from Smartphones

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The world is at our fingertips with help from smartphones. With this novel invention, we can easily connect with family, friends, read recipes, browse through photos, play games, control other electronics, watch movies, and more. Now that smartphones have been around for quite some time, we’re seeing some common injuries in the hand which are directly caused by these devices.

Text Claw
Though this condition has been around since the typewriter era, text claw is a growing issue with people who use their smartphones to communicate. Text claw is marked by cramping and pain in the fingers. The typical treatment for text claw is to immobilize the hand and fingers with a brace, massage, or stretch the area.

Cellphone Elbow
Similar to those who complain of carpal tunnel after using keyboards excessively, smartphone users are susceptible to cubital-tunnel syndrome. Those who use their smartphone to watch a video and hold it in the air for two or more hours might experience pain in the elbow, numbing, tingling, etc., in the forearm and hand, which are all telltale signs of cellphone elbow. Switching hands is an easy solution, along with using a pillow or pad to prop up your smartphone.

Smartphone Pinkie
Smartphones are sometimes large, bulky, and awkward for some people to get a good grip on. Add to that the fact that most people do not want to drop or lose their smartphones; they’re holding on to them reasonably tightly. This grip can cause calluses on certain fingers, along with numbness or painful pinky fingers. To treat this issue, change the position of your hand and try to shift your grip often.

Cuts and Glass Slivers
Quite possibly the most apparent problems with smartphones, cracked screens or cameras can cause small lesions in the hand. Tiny slivers of glass can break off and puncture your skin; these tiny shards can also end up in your pocket, purse, or bed, creating another potential injury site. If broken or cracked, replace your smartphone whenever possible, as well as take advantage of screen protectors.

Texting Thumb
While texting, do you use all your fingers or just your thumbs? Most people use their thumbs to text or scroll through their phones, leading to texting thumb, trigger thumb, or arthritis. To remedy this situation, change your behavior by using a stylus to text, voice-to-text, or use more of your other fingers.

Hand, wrist, and elbow problems can result from ignoring smartphone hand injuries. If you suspect something is brewing in your hand or wrist, contact the experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

MI Hand & Wrist

Make Your House a Home

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To cozy up a house and turn it into a home, we often rely on personal style to create an overall aesthetic. However, our homes consist of so much more than furniture. Here are some suggestions to enhance your space and make rooms feel more comfortable.

Practicality
Well-designed homes get everything right, especially from a practical sense. Make sure you set aside space for laundry, a mudroom/entrance area, and other areas that might be accidentally overlooked. If you don’t have a dedicated room where you can keep a washer and dryer, consider putting them in a closet or stacking them to maximize space.

Layout
Spend some time analyzing the way you use and move throughout your home. Establish what is clearly working and what isn’t. Sometimes, interior design can’t remedy an oddly-placed wall, which should be knocked down by a professional. Houses can often gain more space by expanding a kitchen or dining area, for example.

Nooks & Crannies
Sometimes, the most overlooked areas of a space are those awkward spaces such as corners or underneath stairways. Brainstorm how to transform the blank canvas into something more useful, such as designated storage areas.

Lighting
One of the most important aspects of interior design, lighting has the power to change the ambiance with the flip of a switch. Try to balance artificial and natural light to create a warm, cozy, yet welcoming space.

Color
Choosing the right color can make a magnificent impact on a room. Layer your color palette by using accent walls or adding bold accessories or artwork to make them pop.

Personality
Don’t forget the most important part of making your house a home: you! Make sure each and every element in your home is one that you love. Showcase your personal art collection or reupholstered chairs proudly.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Developing Electrical Code

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Most standardized procedures aren’t developed overnight. Rather, they can take years to form with help from stakeholders, owners, employees, and more. With the invention of the Internet, advanced technology can simplify and complicate standards that might have already been in place.

Developing codes is an intricate process with much to take into consideration. First, there are many details to factor in while accounting for every step in the process. Then, other, perhaps surprising, aspects should be taken into consideration. Lastly, a trial run should be performed to ensure everything is working as it should, in accord with the overall intention. 

NFPA, the National Fire Protection Association, sets codes and standards in the electrical industry. To streamline the regulatory process, proposals (public inputs) are presented to the committee, answering every letter. Any changes are developed by the committee go through several steps:

  1. Revision stage: committee uses public input or their own discretion to create a vision or not, with reason.
  2. Draft stage: panel alters something from the first stage, if necessary, typically without public intervention.
  3. Reject stage: changes are analyzed using a new software called TerraView, designed to prevent conflicting actions. Comments made by the public can still be rejected during this stage or held for consideration during the next cycle of changes.
  4. Motion stage: those who might be disappointed with the process can file an online form to NFPA as a notice of intent to make a motion.
  5. Review stage: the NFPA Standards Council will assign a task group to review all motions and judge them based on their compliance. Once verified, the motion turns into a CAM, or Certified Amending Motion.
  6. Judgment: the Standards Council will have the last say; the results of the above process will be delivered to the panel, who will hear appeals and make decisions regarding the code.

At J&P Electrical, we respect the force of electrical power and its dangerous byproducts: shock and fire. Part of what we do is refurbish industrial electrical equipment using stringent standards. All electrical components are completely disassembled, then each and every part is cleaned, inspected, and repaired as needed. We then paint the product using an exclusive acrylic enamel chosen for its durability. The equipment is then reassembled and thoroughly tested to meet or exceed the manufacturer’s UL certification. The dielectric voltage withstands all tests, from phase-to-phase and phase to ground (neutral). The final product looks as close to new as possible. J&P Electrical stands behind its work; all our products come with a full one-year warranty.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

J & P Electrical Company

Understanding DTI

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Mortgage companies often require specific documents to analyze the borrower’s financial situation prior to approval. One of the most important aspects of getting approved for a mortgage is your credit score, which shows how well the borrower can meet their financial obligations. In addition to considering your credit score, lenders look at the borrower’s DTI ratio to determine whether they can monetarily handle a new loan.

DTI stands for Debt-to-Income and is calculated by adding all monthly debt payments together and dividing that by the borrower’s monthly income before taxes. DTI does not account for expenses not listed on credit reports, such as groceries, entertainment, and small purchases.

Lower DTI signifies a healthy balance between debt and income. The lower the DTI, the more likely the borrower can qualify for the loan they want. A DTI of 28 to 36 percent or lower is ideal; however, lenders accept higher DTI ratios depending on the type of loan, credit score, savings, and down payment.

There are two ways to lower your DTI ratio: decrease your debts or increase your income. To drive your debt down, pay off existing debt and do not accrue new debts. Increasing your monthly income can be tricky; try working freelance in your free time or find a better-paying job.

Are you thinking about purchasing a home and have a low DTI? Contact the mortgage experts at EB Mortgage today to get pre-approved for the house of your dreams!

EB Mortgage is a locally-owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us at 866-246-0516 or e-mail contact@ebwmtg.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

EB Mortgage

2022: The Year to Protect Your Data

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Cybercriminals are improving their ransomware computer viruses by exploiting weaknesses throughout different types of software and applications available on the Internet. Hacks were ever-popular in 2021, resulting in shutting down oil pipelines, food shortages, public water storage tanks, elevated gas prices, governmental breaches, and much more.

Ransomware has become a national security threat, according to Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, “Everything is connected, everything is vulnerable, and the threat actors are just getting more sophisticated.”

Since many people continue to work from home due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, hackers are trying to exploit remote connections and gain access to corporate networks. Bank information, passwords, and other data can be used to hold accounts “hostage” by hackers.

Most businesses do not fully understand how exposed they are, as cybercrimes typically go unreported. Though the overall number of cybercrimes is not made public, a jump in notable metrics raised alarms for many experts.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, data breaches that took place within the first nine months of 2021 were higher than the entire year of 2020 combined. The total amount paid to hackers during the first six months of 2021 was $590 million, as reported by banks and the like, according to the Department of the Treasury. Previously, the highest total was $416 million, set in 2020.

And the threat from hackers isn’t only on your PC or laptop: hackers are now targeting smartphone users worldwide. Two-factor authentication, biometrics, and push notifications are going to be essential in the fight against cybercriminals. Phishing is transitioning to mobile phones through e-mail, text messages, and QR-code scanning.

To win the fight against hackers, consumers need to ensure their information is encrypted and securely protected. Unfortunately, hackers will continue to find ways to infiltrate our electronics and gain access to our personal information.

Are you struggling to lock down all of your data? Contact the experts at CPS today. We can help protect your devices from hackers and ensure you are ready for potential threats.

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

Novel AI Might Predict Heart Attacks

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New research published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows how physicians can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict heart attacks. The study included 293 participants with coronary artery disease; 22 people experienced a myocardial event during the 53-month follow-up period.

When used in combination with F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) and quantitative coronary plaque analysis (via CT angiography) along with clinical findings, physicians can easily predict the risk of myocardial infractions.

Predicting heart attacks has been challenging in everyday clinical practice and is typically based on cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with coronary artery disease can have underlying conditions despite high scores.

Pitor J. Slomka, Ph.D., FACC, FASNC, FCCPM, director of Innovation in Imaging at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said, “Recently, advanced imaging techniques have demonstrated considerable promise in determining which coronary artery disease patients are most at risk for a heart attack. These techniques include 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET, which assesses disease activity in the coronary arteries, and CT angiography, which provides a quantitative plaque analysis. Our goal in the study was to investigate whether the information provided by 18F-NaF PET and CT angiography is complementary and could improve prediction of heart attacks with the use of artificial intelligence techniques.”

The AI-assisted process exhibited a significant advancement in predicting heart attacks rather than employing clinical data alone.

Slomka said, “F-NaF PET combined with anatomical imaging provided by CT angiography has the potential to enable precision medicine by guiding the use of advanced therapeutic interventions. Our study supports the use of artificial intelligence methods for integrating multimodality imaging and clinical data for robust prediction of heart attacks.”

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Acceletronics