Livingston Reporting - page 55

Scheduling Lawn Maintenance

Most property owners assume their lawns only need attention through fertilization in the summertime. Actually, the opposite is true. Fantastic-looking lawns are maintained throughout the entire year with routine treatments.

Spacing out fertilization and weed control treatments is imperative to achieving a polished result. Grass and other landscaping should never be neglected or overlooked. Read on to learn what is needed when – and schedule ASAP, as lawncare can be booked up a year in advance.

Spring
To control crabgrass, lawns require weed control treatments in the early spring. A pre-emergent weed control treatment will stifle the growth of crabgrass. Once the soil begins to heat up, a post-emergent crabgrass control treatment will be applied in the late spring. The purpose of this is meant to kill any weeds that have rooted deep within the soil. Fertilization is also applied throughout the entire spring season.

Summer
In the early summer, insect, grub, and nutsedge grass control is applied to remove them. Nutsedge grows rapidly, returning yearly. Insects such as grubs can infiltrate your lawn, which is why a thorough insect inspection is also necessary. In the late summer, an iron fertilizer will help your lawn transport oxygen efficiently and complete enzymatic functions necessary for healthy grass.

Fall
The lawn care program in the fall consists of core aeration and overseeding. By loosening the compacted soil, we can restore bare patches of grass or dirt. In the beginning of fall, a starter fertilizer will be applied. Toward the end of the season, a winterization fertilizer is added so the lawn can grow evenly while it goes dormant for the upcoming winter.

Winter
An enhanced calcitic lime treatment is added to lawns in the winter, though weeds aren’t much of an issue. The calcitic lime treatment ensures the soil is not overly acidic, which is vital for the lawn’s health when spring rolls around.

Lawncare doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact the professionals at T&T Property to schedule your commercial maintenance ASAP!  

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.

Solar Power 101

Solar energy development is still a growing and evolving subject. If you are curious to learn more, then keep reading to discover and solidify your solar power knowledge.

It’s Almost 200 Years Old
Solar power might be an up-and-coming technology in today’s day and age, but it’s actually been around since the 1800s. French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic (PV) effect back in 1839, paving the way for solar power innovation. This energy collection process converts solar power into electricity and was followed by advances in mathematics and inventors alike. Subsequent patents were secured by scientists such as Charles Fritts, Augustin Mouchot, Harry Regan, Edmond Weston, Alessandro Volta, and more.

Composition
Solar panels are composed of cells that transform sunlight into electricity. As sunlight infiltrates the panels, a more significant amount of electricity is generated. PV cells (from Becquerel’s initial discovery) are coated with a semiconductor that harnesses the energy produced by the sun, converting it to energy. The energy then creates an electrical current that synchronizes with the PV cell, generating electricity.

Benefits
Solar panels can be used to power nearly everything from lights to HVAC systems. These highly efficient sources of energy allow for decreased dependence on fossil fuels and nonrenewable energy supplies. In addition to lowering energy bills, solar panels are low-maintenance, requiring only bi-yearly cleaning.

Installation
The average cost of solar panels is anywhere between $15,000 to $35,000, roughly $3 to $5 per watt. Depending on the area, power company, and system, the average home requiring a 4 kW system would cost roughly $15,000. Larger homes requiring 8 kW (more panels) would be closer to $30,000. Keep in mind this cost also includes equipment, wiring, inverters, mounting hardware, and labor.

Savings
Don’t let the installation cost scare you – over 20 years, solar panels can save you between $20,000 to $40,000, or roughly $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

Are you thinking about installing solar panels for your home or business? Call the professional electrical contractors at State Electric Company today for more information.

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.

New Changes in FSA Make LASIK More Affordable

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is tax-exempt money you can set aside from your paycheck to pay out-of-pocket expenses. Throughout the year, the level you contribute is consistent and even. The maximum amount you can contribute in 2021 is $2,750.

If you have been considering getting LASIK, your FSA could be used to cover the cost. Recent legislation has made it possible for employers to extend the deadline for all 2021 FSA spending. Thanks to this new extension, employees can use their FSA to pay for LASIK.

There are a few limitations when it comes to FSAs, including:

  • Pretax funds can only be spent on qualified health and medical expenses
  • The current limit that can be used in an FSA account is $2,750
  • Any remaining cash in the FSA after December 31 is forfeited – all funds must be used within the calendar year
  • Grace periods and the ability to carry over a portion of the funds do exist

FSA was limited due to the global coronavirus pandemic, making spending a challenge. The 2021 FSA deadlines were extended to compensate for this pause in healthcare. Now, the entire amount of FSA can be carried through December 31, 2022.

To use your FSA to pay for LASIK, contact your employer’s HR department to determine whether they have opted to implement the flexible deadlines. Check your balance to calculate how much money you will have available. Schedule a consultation ASAP, and soon enough, you can sigh in relief…no more glasses or contacts after LASIK!

Thinking about LASIK? There’s no better time to achieve your dreams! Contact Rohr Eye & Laser Center today to get started.

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 Creates Drinking Water Panel

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently created a Corrosion Control Advisory Panel aimed at drinking water remediation. EGLE also implemented new standards earlier in the year, including the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), which helps detect lead in drinking water.

There are seven drinking water professionals on the Corrosion Control Advisory Panel:

  • Elin Betanzo, PE, president and founder, Safe Water Engineering, LLC
  • David Cornwell, CEO, Cornwell Engineering Group, Inc.
  • Darren Lytle, environmental engineer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water Management Branch CESER Water Infrastructure Division
  • Susan Masten, professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University
  • Desmond Murray, associate professor of chemistry, Andrews University
  • Terese Olson, associate professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan
  • Andrea Porter, environmental engineer, Groundwater & Drinking Water Branch, EPA, Region V

The panel’s purpose is to provide suggestions on strategies to comply with LCR corrosion protection requirements, give input regarding the corrosion protection methods, advise which actions would be most effective to ensure public protection, evaluate studies to make recommendations, and identify systems of measurement to assess corrosion control.

Michigan is ramping up its effort to diminish lead exposure in drinking water by repairing damaged and aging infrastructure throughout the state. The new Corrosion Control Advisory Panel will report to EGLE’s Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division (DWEHD), which regulates 2,685 public drinking water systems through the LCR.

The LCR requires drinking water systems to offer corrosion control when the federal level for copper or lead is exceeded. The purpose of the corrosion control is to limit heavy metals into drinking water, thereby protecting Michigan residents from harm. A statewide effort is already in the works to remove all lead service lines.

Are you concerned about what’s in your drinking water? Contact the purification experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning 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.

Using AI for Lung Disease Diagnosis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Five-year survival rates are at roughly 20 percent, according to Cancer.net. Those who smoke cigarettes have the highest risk for disease, along with nonsmokers who are exposed to toxins like arsenic, radon, asbestos, radiation, air pollution, and more.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been introduced to help diagnose the presence of lung cancer. Imaging is critical to lung cancer care; with help from AI, lung cancer can potentially be spotted sooner.

A new study combines CT information with clinical data to precisely forecast lung cancer. The AI considers factors such as nodule size, age, years smoked, cancer history, occupational exposure, and more.

More than four million people worldwide die prematurely due to a severe respiratory illness each year. Long-term exposure to dangerous toxins, particles, gases, or harsh temperatures can significantly affect the lungs. Certain occupations are more at risk than others, such as those who work as steelworkers, miners, or with textiles and automobiles.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a life-threatening illness causing emphysema. In clinical settings, emphysema is assessed by patient history, lung function, radiographs, and more. However, these tools are not able to make a diagnosis of mild emphysema. AI radiography is the most effective tool to detect issues that might normally slip under the radar.

A study released in October outlines how AI could match professional radiologists to predict emphysema in patients.

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

Cool Gifts for Pool Owners

‘Tis the season for holiday gift-giving! Do you need some inspiration for the pool lovers on your list? Look no further, we’ve got you covered. Snag one of these awesome gifts today; they are sure to please any pool aficionado.

  • Dive toys: These are an awesome option for kids or those on a budget.

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t all be dreaming of warm weather! Make your upcoming summer one to remember with these snazzy gifts for the pool owner in your family.

Are you thinking of renovating your pool? Contact the pool specialists at Pound Pool today.

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.

Billions of Dollars Set for Energy Projects via Infrastructure Bill

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will fund a number of projects for electrical contractors thanks to an infrastructure bill signed into law on November 15, 2021. Numerous infrastructure projects will reap the benefits from a pot of more than $62 billion.

Some of the highlights include:

  • Investing over $7 billion in the supply chain to be used toward mining, sourcing, and recycling batteries. These are essential to power the grid with clean, affordable, and resilient energy.
  • Improving workforce development by investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the power grid, green building, and industrial sectors. Thanks to this funding, access to cutting-edge technology will spur training and career expansion.
  • Establishing an Energy Jobs Council to oversee the development and release of energy jobs and workforce data. By joining with stakeholders, decisions made by national, state, and local governments will be well-informed.
  • Providing grants to communities, cities, states, territories, and more through investments of $500 million or more into the State Energy Program, which develops and implements clean energy programs and projects, thereby creating jobs.
  • Devoting $550 million into the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG).

Additionally, about $17 billion will exclusively focus on the electrical grid. The DOE said, “Extreme weather events like the Dixie Wildfire, Hurricane Ida, and the 2021 Texas Freeze have made it clear that our existing energy infrastructure cannot endure the impacts of climate change. Modernizing and expanding the electricity grid will make our energy sector more resilient, while enabling the buildout of affordable, reliable, clean energy.”

Of the $17 billion, $11 billion will go toward grants for states, Native American tribes, and utilities to increase electrical infrastructure against extreme weather, ransomware, and other issues. A $3 billion expansion of the Smart Grid Investment Matching Grant Program will be allocated, as well as a $2.5 billion Transmission Facilitation Program. Both programs aim to develop the power grid’s flexibility, upgrade to clean energy, deploy energy storage, and more.

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.

What are No-Doc Loans?

Borrowers looking to get approved for a mortgage and cannot show income verification are perfect candidates for no-doc loans. This type of mortgage loan does not require tax returns or income verification.

To qualify for a no-doc mortgage loan, borrowers have to show adequate credit history, real estate investment experience, and liquid assets, which are all passed through underwriting.

No-doc loans are typically unregulated, so they involve elevated down payments over traditional mortgages. In addition to requiring a higher down payment, no-doc loans generally have higher interest rates as well.

For standard mortgages, borrowers are required to submit proof of income to qualify for a loan. Lenders determine this proof via W2s, pay stubs, employment letters, and/or recent tax returns. Borrowers should be able to prove they can afford loan payments through their source(s) of income. Down payments and credit scores are also relevant.

With no-doc loans, the paperwork load is significantly lighter. All the borrower needs to do is provide a declaration saying they can repay the loan. Generally, those who are self-employed, investment-wealth capitalists, immigrants, real estate agents, or temporary workers apply for these loans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a regulatory agency established by Dodd-Frank, says, “Your organization must verify the information you rely on using reasonably reliable third-party records. You generally cannot rely on what consumers orally tell you about their income.”

No-doc loan borrowers should have excellent credit scores and high cash reserves for down payments. Down payments are roughly 30 to 50 percent higher than traditional mortgages. The higher the down payment, the easier the borrower can be approved for a loan.

Using bank statements and other paperwork, the borrower can prove their capacity to the lender and qualify for a no-doc loan.

Do you need a no-doc loan? Contact the mortgage experts at EB Mortgage today!

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.

IT Job Growth Slows

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in the US IT industry decreased during October. The latest figures from Janco Associates showed 4,800 positions added, a drop from 8,900 positions in September.

Slowdowns in the restaurant, entertainment, service, and other hospitality industries due to COVID-19 continue to decrease IT growth. Finding qualified applicants is currently the biggest challenge in the industry.

M. Victor Janulaitis, Janco’s CEO, said in a statement, “From data that we have reviewed, shutdowns resulted in fewer computer science candidates graduating from universities and trade schools. Those in the pipeline for those degrees were reduced as well. One of the drivers of that trend was that the closing of borders limited the number of foreign nationals who could qualify for that training and education. Many of the new positions that CIOs are trying to fill are in new technologies. There is a shortfall of individuals who have the training and skills necessary. There are open positions that cannot be filled. At the same time, attrition rates are on the rise in many IT organizations.”

Earlier in 2021, the US IT industry was more robust, with a surge of 25,400 new jobs in August, 18,500 in June, and 9,900 in July. IT job growth accelerated for 15 straight months, averaging 13,000 new jobs each month of 2021. IT salaries were also growing during 2021.

Pre-pandemic, the IT job situation throughout the US reflected similarly to how it looks now: more positions than candidates. If businesses found qualified IT professionals to fill positions, they would have reached an increased number of employees. With HR focusing on staff retention rather than finding developers, cybersecurity, and compliance professionals, the talent shortage is feeling the pressure.

As of October 31st, 189,000 new positions were available in 2021. In total, Janco estimates there are roughly 3.72 million IT professional careers open in the US.

Do you need some IT help due to an inability to find/hire employees? Look no further; contact the IT professionals at Creative Programs and Systems today. From residential services to Managed IT plans, we have you covered!

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.

Fewer Imaging Exams Scheduled During Virtual Visits

New research published in the JAMA Network Open suggests primary care visits that take place via video or phone result in fewer imaging scan orders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled telehealth as a primary way for physicians to offer patient care. As patients stay home to limit exposure to the virus, physician follow-up care can look different.

Using pre-pandemic data from more than 1.1 million patients, Kaiser Permanente researchers found that primary care doctors ordered imaging in roughly 59 percent of office visits versus 29 percent of virtual and 27 percent over the phone.

The study did not specify the reason behind the variance; however, the authors suggested patients who were more ill might have sought out in-person primary care.

Mary Reed, DrPH, a Kaiser Permanente research scientist, said, “It is possible that these differences in treatment might be driven by the types or seriousness of concerns that patients chose for each visit type, or by the degree to which physicians could assess the patient in each visit type. We need to explore these details further in future research.”

The study analyzed primary care appointments at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California between 2016 and midway through 2018; almost 2.2 million were evaluated. Video and telephone visits resulted in a lower number of medications prescribed (39 percent and 35 percent, respectively) compared to office-based visits, which were at 52 percent.

Overall, 25 percent of video visits required a follow-up appointment within a week. Telephone and in-person visits required follow-ups at 26 percent and 24.5 percent, respectively.

Emergency department visits or hospitalizations did not see a difference.

The study wrote, “In contrast to prior studies of direct-to-consumer telemedicine, we did not find evidence of over-ordering or over-prescribing among patients using telemedicine to visit their own primary care doctors. Video or telephone visits may be a convenient and safe way for patients to address some primary care needs without generating a substantial number of follow-up office visits or experiencing health events.”

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.