Livingston Reporting - page 60

Ultrasound Gel Recalled by FDA

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled eight lots of Eco-Med Pharmaceuticals ultrasound gel, with contamination being the culprit. Confirmed bacterial infections affected 15 patients who were in contact with the Eco-Gel 200 ultrasound gel. Unconfirmed cases are also suspected.

Eco-Gel instructed customers to immediately halt the use of the gel and return it to the manufacturer if possible.

FDA officials said, “Eco-Med has initiated this recall and quarantine due to bacterial contamination in the affected loss of ultrasound gel with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bxx). The source(s) of the bacterial contamination is currently unknown. Eco-med is conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of this contamination and take all necessary corrective action.”

Patients who encountered the gel can be asymptomatic or develop severe toxicity, such as bloodstream infection, which can result in sepsis or death.

Eco-Med lot numbers included in the recall:

  • Lot number B029 – distribution: March 26, 2021
  • Lot number B030 – distribution: March 30, 2021
  • Lot number B031 – distribution: April 5, 2021
  • Lot number B032 – distribution: April 7, 2021
  • Lot number B040 – distribution: April 26, 2021
  • Lot number B041 – distribution April 26, 2021
  • Lot number B048 – distribution: May 7, 2021
  • Lot number B055 – distribution: May 26, 2021

These brand names were also tainted and are recalled:

  • Chattanooga Conductor USA – DJO Global
  • DJO Conductor – DJO Global
  • Liquasonic – Athena Medical Products
  • MediChoice Ultrasound Gel – Owens & Minor
  • MediChoice Ultrasound Gel – Mac Medical Supply Co.
  • Medline – Medline Industries
  • NDC Eco-Gel 200 Ultrasound Gel – NDC
  • Omni – Accelerated Care Plus Leasing

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

Paint Shortage Affecting the Electrical Industry

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You might have heard about the worldwide shortages that have been sparked by a combination of the global pandemic, weather (freeze) catastrophes in Texas, fires in China, a lack of workers, and more. The supply chain has suffered from these setbacks, causing shortages in various industries such as technology, automobile, furniture, transportation, appliances, and electrical equipment.

Shortages began during the global pandemic, as industries were affected by transportation and staffing issues. However, during the past three months, resin paints have been extremely difficult to acquire. Polyester and vinyl ester are most challenging to obtain, followed by epoxy.

Thanks to a boom in new construction and countless homeowners upgrading due to confinement, demand for paint has been skyrocketing as well. Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors in Kalamazoo, said, “Strong demand is a good problem to have, but that demand is increasingly straining manufacturers’ ability to keep pace.”

Greg McLaughlin, composites manager at Sea Force Center Consoles, said, “Resin distributors are rationing resin deliveries, with large-volume builders first in line. We’re hearing the industry could face a four- to six-week delay in resin products due to the Texas freeze from damages related to processing plants’ piping and fittings.”

 At J&P, we know the supply chain can be unpredictable, which is why we make sure to overstock when possible and plan for times like these. With paint orders being backordered for five months (and counting), things can get a little stressful but rest assured, the quality of our product will not be compromised!

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

Outdoor Toilet Solutions

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What do people do in the absence of a toilet? During emergencies or while outdoors for camping, survival, or more, without a flushing toilet, it’s important to dispose of excrements appropriately. Diseases such as cholera, dysentery, giardia, typhoid fever, and hepatitis can be transferred through human feces.

So, what are your options? Here are a few emergency toilet solutions:

  • Five-gallon bucket: line the bucket with heavy-duty trash bags (there are also liners made specifically for this.) Add kitty litter, sawdust, peat, or dirt to the bottom, attaching a snap-on toilet seat to the top. Sprinkle a cup or two of bleach, diluted with water in a 1:10 solution, to kill bacteria.
  • ChemiSan: a product specifically designed to turn human waste into compost. This revolutionary powder is easy to apply, effective, and safe. 
  • ‘Go Anywhere’ toilet kits: this biodegradable solution safely disposes of liquid and human waste. The gel solution breaks down human waste effortlessly.
  • Waterless Freestanding Emergency Toilet: this option is safe, sanitary, and does not use chemicals, water, gas, or electricity. Due to its size, this option will require prior planning or be added to an emergency preparedness kit or bag.
  • Dirt: use a heavy-duty shovel to dig a small hole (deep enough to completely cover the excrements) and then bury appropriately.

In addition to the solutions above, make sure you check your list for all the little essentials like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc.

Do you need other emergency supplies? Shop Wolf Survival Gear’s wide selection today!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

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

Wolf Survival Gear

The Importance of Engine Coolant Flushes

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Engine coolant is also known as antifreeze. This fluid removes excess heat from an engine using heat transfer chemicals such as ethylene or propylene glycol and water. Cars produce a great deal of energy and heat while moving. In the engine, the exhaust and cooling systems are designed to ensure the vehicle remains cool. Coolant safeguards the engine in the sweltering summer months by absorbing heat, thereby stopping water from boiling and ensuring metal parts don’t corrode.

Without coolant, an engine is susceptible to many issues. Since coolant loses potency through time, it’s imperative to get coolant flushes to ensure your engine is protected. Here are some benefits of changing your coolant fluids:

  1. Eliminates rust and scale deposits, which can cause overheating and cooling system damage.
  2. Additives lubricate the water pump, extending its life.
  3. Rust is prevented from forming.
  4. Replaces old coolant/antifreeze that can become acidic and ruin pumps, hoses, and engine components.

Coolant flushes ensure your vehicle maintains optimal performance. To keep your engine running smoothly from your transmission to your power steering, ensure your coolant is changed according to schedule.

Check your owner’s manual to see when it’s time to get your vehicle serviced for a coolant flush. If it’s been over a year since your previous coolant change, visit your local 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.

Uncategorized

EV Charging is Expanding Across America

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Within the decade, expect to see a more significant number of electric vehicles (EV) on the road. Thanks to the intensified global focus on sustainability along with incentives and policymaker encouragement, EVs could be substantially more popular.

We are all aware of the number of gas stations throughout the country, but EV chargers aren’t exactly on the same level. The demand for more charging stations will surely increase, as these will affect the viability of EVs. Without reliable chargers, EVs will not be a sustainable option to drive long distances and produce zero emissions.

“The United States is in the midst of a fundamental transformation of our transportation sector, with consumers, businesses, fleets, and automakers embracing the transition to EVs,” said Pasquale Romano, President and CEO of ChargePoint.

Research conducted by Coherent Market Insights showed the growth of EV sales would simultaneously increase the production of chargers across the automotive industry. The upward cadence of EV production (Tesla produced half a million units in 2020) shows that manufacturers are concentrated on trying to earn the attention of worldwide customers.

With the upward swing of EV production, charging stations are sure to follow. Public charging stations are evident in national parks, some big-box-store (Meijer) parking lots, rest areas, and more. In the future, more charging stations will surely be prominent near commercial office buildings, retailers, and such. During work or shopping, an owner’s car could be charging.

Dr. Charles Zhu, Vice President of sales and product development and head of automotive business for Delta Electronics, and principal investigator in the Department of Energy program, said, “We are excited to utilize the battery emulator to test all 400kW charging conditions with 200V – 1,000V charging voltage ranges that encompass all EVs currently in the market.”

To learn more about EVs chargers or schedule an installation, contact the experts at State Electric Company today.

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. With our combined, extensive knowledge in renewable energy sources through solar and battery storage, the team at State Electric works together to provide customers, large and small, with efficient electrical solutions. We specialize in smart electrical panels, EV chargers, battery storage, microgrids, and emergency generators with automatic transfer switches to ensure that all your energy needs are affordable and safely met. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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

State Electric Co.

Glaucoma Patients See Clearer with Quantum-Dot LEDs

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A study published in BMC Ophthalmology showed certain lights are better than others for people with glaucoma. Researchers in South Korea monitored visual acuity, black-and-white contrast sensitivity, and color vision tests on 36 glaucoma patients. The study subjects were situated under three different lights, all displaying various color wavelengths: a three-band fluorescent lamp, a white LED, and a quantum-dot LED. The luminescence was set to the same brightness on all lights.

Visual acuity or black-and-white contrast sensitivity did not change among the three lights; however, patients under quantum-dot LEDs were able to distinguish color better than under the other lights.

According to the researchers, “This finding is very important for glaucoma patients because it is strongly associated with vision-related quality of life in glaucoma patients. Thus, a more high-quality light system could increase the ability of color distinction and may increase quality of life in glaucoma patients because the relationship between ability of color distinction and quality of life has been closed.”

Previous studies showed that glaucoma patients have a lower quality of life because of visual impairment.

Glaucoma patients who take multiple antiglaucoma pharmaceuticals could also benefit from quantum-dot LEDs, as the most commonly-used method for distinguishing the different drugs is bottle cap color.

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

Lasting Drought Forces Reservoirs into Record Lows

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According to the United States Geological Survey, some of America’s largest reservoirs – Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Utah’s Great Salt Lake – have reached record lows, with more decline expected in the coming months.

Lake Powell’s water level has plummeted to the lowest level since the United States Government began filling the reservoir in the 1960s. The Western drought is responsible for creating severe conditions. Lake Powell stretches from Utah to Arizona and is currently experiencing a “megadrought.”  

A 24-month study was recently released by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation, which showed that the amount of water flowing into Lake Powell had plummeted considerably in the previous six months. With water restrictions already in place, they could become more strict as the Bureau of Reclamation outlined a 79 percent chance that the lake will fall below 3,525 feet next year.

Wayne Pullan, the Upper Colorado Basin regional director for the Bureau of Reclamation, said, “This is a serious situation.”

Lake Mead is also suffering from historically low levels of water. Both Lake Mead and Lake Powell are connected through a river system that delivers water to over 40 million people. The two reservoirs are among the largest in the United States.

A dam on Lake Mead provides hydropower for many Western states; electric production from the Hoover Dam has plunged by roughly 25 percent as a direct result of the drought.

Utah’s Great Salt Lake has reached a new low due to higher temperatures and a lack of rainfall.

Ineffective water management combined with the effects of climate change has led to the droughts, which could potentially worsen soon. 

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

Molecular Imaging to Expand to $6.18 Billion by 2026

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For 2019, the global molecular imaging space was evaluated at $4.199 billion, growing at a CAGR of 5.68 percent, expanding to $6.18 billion by 2026.

X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound diagnostic imaging procedures offer photos of physical structure. Molecular imaging gives physicians a window into the body’s function, with an ability to measure it chemically and biologically.

Other imaging technologies are unable to provide information that is attainable with molecular imaging. Biopsies or surgeries could be required to identify disease with other diagnostic tests.

Molecular imaging is a powerful tool for physicians. It is helpful to achieve the following:

  • Manage patient care
  • Determine disease severity
  • Select proper therapy
  • Analyze drug response
  • Assess and adapt treatment
  • Respond to changes in health
  • Evaluate disease progression
  • Identify disease resurgence
  • Manage ongoing care

The demand in molecular systems is driven by:

  • Technological advancements
  • Rising prevalence of disorders
  • Large aging population
  • Government support
  • Hybrid modality treatments

North America leads the worldwide molecular imaging market, while the Asian Pacific is the speediest in terms of expansion due to rising healthcare spending.

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

Safely Reducing Chlorine in Your Pool

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Pool owners want to maximize their chlorine efficiently and use less of the chemical for many reasons, some of which include money, lowering chloramine contact, reducing dependence, and more. Additionally, an ongoing chlorine supply shortage has forced many unsuspecting pool owners to stretch out their current chlorine supply as long as possible.

Routine Pool Care

  • Water Balance: keep your pool water at a steady 7.4 – 7.6 pH to extend the efficacy of chlorine. Lower pH levels can cause Free Available Chlorine (FAC) levels to disperse, while higher pH water will render the sanitizer futile. Total Alkalinity (TA) levels are imperative to monitor as well; they should stay between 80 to 120 ppm. The ideal range for Calcium Hardness varies from 200 to 400 ppm. Cyanuric Acid (CA) acts as a stabilizer and should also be tested. This chemical protects chlorine from being broken down in the sun. The CA level should stay at 30 to 50 ppm.
  • Pool cleaning: keep your water pristine and ensure no debris collects on the surface. Organic contaminants such as plant debris, sweat, body oils, cosmetics, germs, algae, animal waste, insects, etc., can absorb chlorine in your pool, reducing its lifetime. Also brush, skim, and vacuum your pool regularly. Ensure your filtration system is running properly, clean the pool filter, and shock or oxidize weekly.

Solar Covers

  • These simple pool accessories can increase pool temperature, energy retention, water conservation, reduce debris, and save you money when it comes to chemical use. Evaporation is reduced by up to 90 percent as well. A powerful tool against chlorine burn-off and chemical evaporation, solar covers have been shown to reduce total pool chemical use by 30 to 60 percent.

Alternative Sanitizers

  • Mineral systems: Also known as ionization systems, these work to reduce chlorine use by adding copper and silver ions to the water, acting as a sanitizer. Some of these systems have proven to reduce chlorine use by up to 50 percent.
  • Saltwater: Using the process of electrolysis, salt is converted into a steady stream of Free Available Chlorine. After the chlorine is used, it returns to salt, and the process repeats itself.
  • Ozone & UV: Natural sanitation solutions, these quickly and effectively neutralize organic or living contaminants such as bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. They can reduce chlorine use by up to 50 to 90 percent.
  • Bromine: A popular sanitizer for indoor pools, spas, and hot tubs, this chemical can be higher-priced than chlorine but is much more stable in warm temperatures.
  • Biguanide: This pool sanitation chemical destroys microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. It’s more expensive than chlorine and has a strong odor but is more gentle on skin, swimming suits, and vinyl liners.

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

Choosing a New Home Based on Remote Work

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The rise in remote work has changed drastically throughout 2020 and into 2021 due to COVID-19. If you think working from home is a passing fad, it isn’t. A survey by Statista and Upwork projected that 37.5 percent of United States employees would work remotely in the next five years, up from 21 percent before the pandemic.

As employees’ needs evolve, dedicated home offices are on the rise. Working from home has freed some employees from working in a specific area for their job. Employees now have much more flexibility when it comes to physical aspects such as their surroundings but also more abstract factors such as where they reside.

Of the 23 percent of workers who will remain working remotely, most have an opportunity to relocate to a lower cost-of-living area or those dreamy spots they only considered for vacations. More affordable homes are useful for creating office space or more room in general. Those pricier vacation spots (near beaches, mountains, or simply better communities that feature amenities) can also be ideal. Consider what it means to work without limits or constraints when it comes to location.

Those who are projecting a hybrid (partially remote) schedule make up roughly 15 percent of employees. Homes located farther from the office could still be viable, as you won’t be going to work every day. Those slightly longer commutes might pay off in the end if your living situation is more desirable.

Many homeowners are already benefitting from their recent flexibility, as the pandemic caused them to shift away from urban centers, focusing instead on more rural or less-populated areas. Families with higher incomes took advantage of these changes, as did those with lower incomes. The shift to either more expensive and elaborate or- cheaper and more affordable homes has been evident.

If you’ve found a home that will accommodate your new workstyle, contact the mortgage experts at EB Mortgage today to secure a loan and purchase your new home ASAP.

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