Livingston Reporting - page 50

Easy Car Projects for Winter Storage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Do you have a special little sports car that’s tucked away for winter storage? That vintage vehicle that you’ve been working on through the years? If you’re feeling some separation anxiety, have no fear, there are a few things you can do to keep the car in good condition throughout winter.

Dent Inventory
Have you been meaning to fix some of those dents and dings on your car’s exterior? Now is an excellent time to take an inventory of the indentations. Find a reputable dent specialist and schedule an appointment to pop those dings out.

Wash & Polish
When the car is headed to or from storage, hose it down to remove surface scum, then apply some car wash shampoo with a giant sponge. Wipe all moisture off with a microfiber cloth to minimize streaks and water spots, then get some high-quality vehicle wax to buff out the shine.

Interior Clean
Upholstery and odors are two aspects of a vehicle’s interior that often get overlooked. Leather cleaning sprays can be helpful to wipe down the seats, followed by a conditioner to ensure the seats do not crack or dry out. Odors can arise in a vehicle despite your best efforts to keep them out. To remedy this, treat your interior with an odor eliminator, which will chemically alter the molecules in the air.

Fix It
Winter is the ideal time to mend anything you can on the vehicle. Have you been putting off replacing your spark plugs, getting an oil change, flushing your coolant, or more? Now’s the time to get ‘er done.

Looking to get your vehicle in tip-top shape while the winter season lingers on? Drive it into Team CAMC today!

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

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

Team CAMC

Pedestrian Safety Tips

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Commercial property management can be overwhelming at times. With projects, tenants, and more to keep track of, overgrown shrubs or lawn maintenance can easily slip by. Properties should draw the attention of customers and pedestrians because of great curb appeal, not from improper maintenance such as ice-covered walkways or uneven concrete sidewalks.

Pedestrian safety should be of utmost importance, especially during the winter months when slip-and-fall accidents are inevitable without salting or shoveling. Tenants, visitors, and the like are susceptible to accidents on commercial properties, making the property owner liable for injuries.

With all of this in mind, is your commercial property safe for pedestrians? It is the property manager’s duty to ensure their business is free from any red flags or potential problems, which could lead to liabilities.

In addition to the more obvious winter traction issues, there are other aspects of pedestrian safety to keep in mind during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

For example, poor soil composition can cause paved surfaces, retaining walls, landscape beds, etc., to shift, causing ground hazards. Loose handrails are also an important aspect of pedestrian accessibility. Check handrails regularly to ensure they are not loose or on the verge of collapse.

When it comes to landscaped areas, overgrown shrubs or other plants can obstruct pathways and become an obstacle for passersby. Visibility can also become an issue and even impede the view of oncoming traffic.

Don’t fall susceptible to liability caused by property damage or poor maintenance – schedule a consultation with T&T Property Maintenance today.

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Check out our website, call, or e-mail us today to learn more.

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

T&T Property Maintenance

Exploring Generator Maintenance Plans

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Standby generators are similar to vehicle engines, requiring routine maintenance to perform adequately. A generator maintenance plan is essential to ensure your generator runs in tip-top shape. These plans can be altered to your schedule by including regularly scheduled inspections, filter/fluid changes, disposal of fluids, oil analysis, and comprehensive system test.

With scheduled maintenance, minor problems are quickly identified and can be corrected before becoming huge issues. When you need a backup power supply, it’s crucial to ensure your generator is working efficiently. Poorly maintained generators are more susceptible to damage, failure, and losing warranty status. For this reason, many manufacturers require maintenance plans as a condition of the warranty.

Before choosing a generator maintenance plan, keep in mind:

Frequency
How often will your generator be running? The more frequently it operates, the more upkeep is likely needed. Hospital generators, for example, might need service on a weekly basis, while generators for homes might only need to be serviced annually.

Requirements
What do you need your generator for? Are you using it for lights and power within your home, servers and computers, or perhaps critical care medical equipment? The greater the liability, the higher the maintenance need.

Compliance
Some facilities are required by law to comply with local or national codes for standby power systems. NFPA 110 is a standard that entails installation, maintenance, operation, and generator testing. If a code is required for your business, make sure your service agreement includes additional services, including load banking, fuel testing, and automatic transfer switch maintenance. 

Service
Ensure the company you select to service your generator is licensed and certified by a manufacturer. Technicians should be trained, certified, and ready to handle the most challenging generator maintenance conditions.

Need help? State Electric Company installs and maintains generators. Call to schedule your generator inspection today or visit our website to learn more.   

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.

Declining Eyesight Improved with Red Light Therapy

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A novel study by researchers at UCL found that three minutes of exposure to deep red light once a week can vastly improve deteriorating eyesight.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, outlines how using longwave deep red light in the morning activated mitochondria cells in the human retina, repairing declining vision. Previous studies focused on higher energy levels and different times of the day to perform the therapy.

Overall, researchers discovered an average of 17 percent improvement in color contrast vision when exposed to three minutes of deep red light in the morning, which lasted at least a week. The same test, performed in the afternoon, showed no vision improvement.

Researchers’ findings exhibit a breakthrough for eye health which could lead to more affordable home-based therapies. Millions of people suffer worldwide from naturally declining vision, which could be improved with just three minutes of red light therapy every morning.

Professor Glen Jeffery, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, lead author, said, “We demonstrate that one single exposure to longwave deep red light in the morning can significantly improve declining vision, which is a major health and wellbeing issue, affecting millions of people globally. This simple intervention applied at the population level would significantly impact on quality of life as people age and would likely result in reduced social costs that arise from problems associated with reduced vision.”

Working with Planet Lighting UK, Jeffery aims to produce 670nm infrared eyewear at an affordable price; other LED devices made specifically for the same purpose can cost more than $20,000.

Jeffery said, “The technology is simple and very safe; the energy delivered by 670nm long wave light is not that much greater than that found in natural environmental light. Given its simplicity, I am confident an easy-to-use device can be made available at an affordable cost to the general public. In the near future, a once a week three-minute exposure to deep red light could be done while making a coffee, or on the commute listening to a podcast, and such a simple addition could transform eye care and vision around the world.”

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

Yale Study Finds Lower Birth Weight in Flint Children Following Water Crisis

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The Yale School of Public Health found that babies born to mothers who were exposed to contaminated water from the Flint River had lower birth weights, according to research published in the Journal of Population Economics.

Flint officials switched the drinking water to the Flint River in April 2014 in an effort to save money. It was later determined that the river had unsafe levels of lead, bacteria, and other contaminants, which had leached into the water, and thereby, the affecting residents of Flint.

Yale professor Xi Chen said, “Our study shows that the impact {of the Flint water crisis} is evident as early as the beginning of life, and it could be long-lasting for decades to come. It has much larger effects towards minority groups.”

The relationship between the Flint water crisis and lower birthweights will help researchers understand the long-term economic and social effects of water pollution. Since birth weight is the most critical factor in predicting long-term development like school performance or job placement and salary.

Compared to the national average, babies born in Flint were born over one ounce lighter, with a 15.5 percent frequency. Researchers found that mothers from majority groups with higher educations and incomes tended to purchase bottled water after the crisis, avoiding their exposure to lead contamination.

Those mothers who were at more of a disadvantage or in minority groups with lower education levels were more susceptible to giving birth to children with lower birth weight.

Chen said, “They [disadvantaged mothers] had very little room for adaptation because buying the [bottled] water needed knowledge and also the money.”

The people who suffered from the Flint water crisis experienced both long- and short-term consequences. Health disparities in early life stages might lead to more significant gaps in health and well-being throughout their lifetimes. About 1500 babies were born in the Flint area in 2014.

To ensure your water is free from lead and other contaminants, contact the water purification experts at Reynolds Water today.

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

Henry Ford Health System Implants Novel Therapy for Brain Tumors

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Surgeons at Michigan’s Henry Ford Health System successfully treated a patient who suffers from a recurrent brain tumor by delivering a dose of radiation therapy directly on the tumor. This new approach could revolutionize treatment by delaying or preventing future tumor cells from regrowing. Called GammaTile Therapy, the surgically targeted radiation therapy was the first of its kind performed in Michigan; the patient was a 41-year-old male.

Adam Robin, M.D., a neurosurgeon at the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center at Henry Ford, said, “The current standard of care for brain tumors is tumor resection, often followed by radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Approximately half of patients treated for brain tumors experience tumor recurrence within a year. In his most recent surgery, the patient was treated with a form of surgically targeted radiation therapy, which targets residual tumor cells with radiation before they can significantly replicate. Our hope is this therapy will delay or prevent the tumor cells from replicating and forming a recurrent tumor.”

GammaTile Therapy is cleared by the FDA and designed to delay tumor regrowth while protecting healthy brain tissue in patients who suffer from recurring tumors.

Mira M. Shah, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Henry Ford, external beam radiation therapy is usually delivered no sooner than two- to three weeks after surgery to let the incision heal. With GammaTile, the radiation is focused on specific areas of the brain using a type of brachytherapy (internal radiation) which delivers a therapeutic dose to the tumor during surgery.

Leaving the healthy tissue unharmed, GammaTile maximizes the amount of radiation aimed at the tumor and is critical for those patients who have received external beam radiation therapy, which exposes healthy tissue to radiation.

A bioresorbable, conformable 3D-collaten tile uses uniformly spaced radiation sources to target the tumor cavity after the tumor is removed. In just 33 days, 90 percent of the radiation dose is delivered, and after 100 days, the GammaTiles are considered free from radiation. The placement of GammaTile takes approximately five minutes.

RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerator and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 or visit us on the web: https://www.radparts.com.

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

RadParts

Mineral Sanitizers for Pools

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Wondering about mineral sanitizers for pools and spas? Read on to learn why this trend might be right up your alley.

Mineral sanitizers come in several different sizes and configurations. These antibacterial blends kill living contaminants in water, such as algae and bacteria, using silver and copper ions. This concept is thousands of years old, used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Antimicrobial properties are seen from combining silver and copper ions, making a natural solution for pool sanitation.

While minerals can effectively sanitize pools and spas, they are not strong enough to be used solo. Chlorine and bromine are much faster-acting, but adding minerals helps increase the effectiveness and allows you to use less. By adding minerals to your sanitation routine, you can use 50 to 75 percent less chlorine and up to 50 percent less bromine.

Mineral systems can also help reduce the wear and tear of salt cells when used in conjunction with a salt chlorinator. With lower levels of chlorine and bromine, skin and eye irritation decreases, as do faded swimsuits. Softer water means a better pH balance over a more extended period.

Mineral sanitizers are super easy to use; some even come with pre-measured chlorine or bromine cartridges…no measuring necessary, saving you lots of time on pool maintenance.

When it comes to brands, there are many different options for mineral sanitizers on the market. Here are some examples of popular options:

Jacuzzi: Their mineral cartridge system is perfect for both inground and above-ground pools, treating up to 25,000 gallons of water. The minerals are easy to replace, providing softer, cleaner water with up to 50 percent less chlorine.

Zodiac/Nature2: This option is excellent for in-ground and above-ground pools with over 40,000 gallons of water. They also offer spa sticks which are perfect for spas.

FROG: Here, you’ll find options for in-ground and above-ground pools as well as spas and hot tubs. The possibilities are endless, as they offer in-line cartridges, floating sanitizers, skimmer applications, and more.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

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

Pound Pool Plastering

Utilities See Shift in Winter Electrical Demand

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According to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), wintertime energy demand is set to rise due to the growing shift toward electrically-powered heating devices.

Traditionally, summer months have shown a higher peak in demand because of air conditioners. But now, the report predicts that a growing number of utilities nationwide will see electricity rise during the winter months instead.

One factor driving the shift is solar energy, which is becoming more popular. The demand for power from utility companies is diminished when solar power is implemented, reducing summer utility bills. Another factor of the reduced shift is the decrease in natural gas use. A growing number of homes and businesses are opting for electric heat pumps, electric space heaters, and electric water heaters, which are all typically used more in the winter months. These electrical devices can oftentimes be used instead of gas-fired appliances.

ACEEE has referred to state policymakers and regulators to create utility goals, which will reduce winter peak demand prices. Utility companies and city administrators should apply existing programs to correlate technology with new measures to reduce winter peak demand. Weatherization and home retrofit funding should also be a top priority.

Utility companies can implement energy-efficiency measures to winterize homes and enhance heating and energy use. Smart controls are one way utility companies can help customers monitor their usage. Also, demand-response measures such as electrical grid water heaters, electric vehicle charging, and battery systems can also help.

Homes that are better equipped to handle winter weather had higher-performing heat pumps and water-heating systems than others. These efficient homes could reduce winter peak by up to 12 percent. To add to that number, deep retrofits, smarter commercial HVAC controls, and intelligent technology systems can reduce peak demand during polar vortexes by up to 34 percent.

By implementing more efficient space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting, and more, homes can reduce the electrical impact on the total grid.

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

Home Prices Rise Fastest in Four Decades

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Prices for homes have been rising for a while now, and a new report indicates that they have been growing fastest since the past four decades. CoreLogic released a new report that outlines how home prices have risen by 18 percent from October 2020 to October 2021. The Federal Housing Finance Agency House Price Index also shows that home prices rose 18.05 percent from the third quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2021.

It’s been more than 40 years since growth of this magnitude has been seen. CoreLogic says the 18 percent growth was the highest number ever recorded in the 45-year history of the housing price index report. Despite the gains, CoreLogic noted that the monthly rate of increase had slowed significantly, signaling home prices could slow down in the upcoming months.

Frank Martell, president and CEO of CoreLogic said, “New household formation, investor purchases, and pandemic-related factors driving demand for the limited supply of available for-sale homes continues to propel the upward spiral of U.S. home prices. However, we expect home price growth to moderate over the near term as many buyers take a break for the holidays.”

From October 2021 to October 2022, home price gains are expected to drop to 2.5 percent, predicting the housing frenzy might substantially subside. This could be good news for buyers interested in purchasing a new home.

Are you interested in securing a mortgage for a new home or trying to get pre-approved? Contact the experts at EB Mortgage today to buy the home 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

Computer Hand Gesture Recognition Improved

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Researchers have been endlessly searching for ways to use computers beyond the typical mouse, keyboard, remote control, or touch screen. Much of their effort is geared toward unlocking more natural forms of communication. For example, voice commands have been a prominent feature in many smartphones and virtual assistants.

Hand gestures are another form of human communication that can be utilized to maneuver computer interactions. Camera systems, image analysis, and machine learning have made strides in optical-based gesture recognition; however, they are hindered by computational complexity, low speed, poor accuracy, or a small number of recognizable gestures.

A team at Sun Yat-sen University in China is set on improving hand gesture recognition and has created a new algorithm that seems promising so far. According to their research, the team integrated innovative strategies to overcome known challenges in consumer devices. By identifying different hand types, palm width, length, and finger length, the hand gesture recognition process is more refined. 

The researchers said, “Traditional simple algorithms tend to suffer from low recognition rates because they cannot cope with different hand types. By first classifying the input gesture by hand type and then using simple libraries that match this type, we can improve the overall recognition rate with almost negligible resource consumption.”

There is also a pre-recognition step in the algorithm, which calculates a ratio of the hand area to determine the three most likely gestures out of the possible nine.

According to researchers, “The gesture pre-recognition step not only reduces the number of calculations and hardware resources required but also improves recognition speed without compromising accuracy.”

Tested in a real-life situation, the algorithm showed more than 93 percent accuracy. Hand gestures were rotated, translated, and scaled in the process. The team will focus on improving the algorithm in situations with poor lighting and increase the number of possible gestures overall.

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