Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 82

Five Reasons Why Credit Unions Should Shift Marketing Efforts to Baby Boomers

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Many credit unions currently focus marketing efforts on millennials, as they will soon make up 75% of the United States workforce. However, baby boomers are presently in need of support, information, and tend to have more disposable income. Continue reading to find out why baby boomers should be your target marketing effort.

Spending: Baby boomers already spend the most among the U.S. generations and will continue to increase over the next two decades. Researchers estimate that within 20 years, baby boomer spending will reach 60 percent, while millennial expenditures will increase by 25 percent.
Engagement: Baby boomers are more adept at personal engagement and are highly attentive to topics they care about. Since many of them are approaching retirement, they take opportunities to learn and understand the landscape they are entering. They prefer phone calls or personal touches as opposed to millennials, who are more adept at virtual and technological avenues.
Loyalty: Baby boomers are incredibly loyal, especially when it comes to brands. Millennials make brands and companies work a lot harder to keep them, while baby boomers are known to be faithful and make referrals when they are satisfied. These customers buy about 66 percent more than non-loyal members throughout the membership.
Volume: Half of the entire U.S. population is 50 or older; 10,000 people are aging into government systems such as Medicare and Social Security daily. The largest wave of baby boomers (those born in 1957) will peak in 2022, increasing numbers until that time. Retirement information is sought out as a valuable resource.
Targeting: You can reach millennials through baby boomers. Most baby boomers influence their loved ones – especially kids and grandkids – millennials included. They have close relationships with their children and are influential in their brand and product choices. In fact, 63 percent of millennials use all or many of the same brands as their elders.

For more information or to speak with a representative about directing your marketing efforts to baby boomers, contact the strategists at Omega today.

Omega Benefit Strategies provides senior credit union members an educational resource for Medicare. Our turnkey marketing package seamlessly integrates with existing market strategies. We can help businesses increase new member acquisitions, bolster retention, cross-sell opportunities via our “scorecard” system, and even earn an ancillary revenue stream. Accommodating any size membership, we maintain exemplary member service and offer top-notch products. Contact us today by going to www.omegabenefitstrategies.com or call 888-404-5049.

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

Omega

A Brief History of Swimming Pools

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

The earliest public water tank in the ancient world is the Great Bath. Found in the 1920s, it existed more than 5,000 years ago in Mohenjo-Daro (a core epicenter of the Indus civilization) Pakistan. Measuring almost 40 feet by 23 feet with a depth of nearly eight feet, two sweeping staircases lead down into the pool. Its significance is unknown, but historians generally link it to ritualistic or religious bathing of sorts. The ancient city featured numerous baths (most homes had restrooms) and a complex sewage system, suggesting that cleanliness and bathing was a priority for the indigenous people.

Ancient Greeks and Romans perfected the pool landscape, as individual wealth increased and luxuries were effortlessly implemented. Beyond aesthetic and enhancement of the property, pools were also used for bathing, war training, maintaining health, religious ceremonies, socializing, and much more. “Palaestra” were ancient Greek open-court wrestling or boxing sites that usually included pools for exercising, bathing, or socializing. Plato felt that every Greek child needed to learn how to swim along with a proper education in mathematics, writing, astronomy, etc. Starting in 400 B.C., it was standard to teach children to swim in pools.

In the 1800s, the British National Swimming Society introduced competitive swimming. New swimming strokes and kicking techniques were introduced, which lead to increased speed. In 1896, the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece introduced swimming as its own event.

Texas houses one of the oldest in-ground pools in America. Deep Eddy Pool in Austin has a bathhouse built during the Depression by the Works Progress Administration. Today, it’s still a popular pool maintained by the City of Austin. It is listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1907, the first recorded above-ground swimming pool was constructed by the Philadelphia Racquet Club. It, too, is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

The first pool to cross the Atlantic Ocean was installed on the Adriatic cruise ship from White Star Lines in 1907. The sister ship, The Titanic, also boasted a pool.

Following World War II, swimming pools became mainstream in America. They can be found in nearly every country in the world. The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates more than 10 million swimming pools across America, including more than 360,000 year-round pools.

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

Protect Yourself from PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl fluorinated substances called PFAS are dubbed “Forever Chemicals” due to the chemical bonds that hold the compounds together (about 5,000 substances) which never break down in the environment. PFAS can be found everywhere; they are in hundreds of products such as food-delivery containers and papers, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, carpets, and furniture, fireproof items, clothes, cosmetics, personal care products, and so much more. Tiny doses of PFAS are linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system damage, weight gain, and a plethora of other diseases. It is estimated that PFAS are found in the blood of 99.9 percent of all human beings on Earth, including newborn babies.

For many reasons (including factory and facility discharge), PFAS have been found in drinking water throughout the United States. Over 1,400 communities in 49 states have detected PFAS in their drinking water according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). This equates to roughly 110 million Americans drinking PFAS-contaminated water.

What was once dubbed a “Miracle of Chemistry” is now an “Unimaginable Water Crisis.” Chemical companies have been covering up evidence of PFAS’ health hazards for decades. When DuPont introduced the novel nonstick Teflon brand to Americans in 1946, the PFAS substances used to make that material were translated into thousands of everyday household items that repel stains and are waterproof.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been investigating PFAS since the late 1990s. As our nation’s regulatory agency for drinking water, they have yet to issue an enforceable nationwide standard for PFAS. Even more risk factors have been discovered by scientists and environmental organizations about PFAS throughout the years, and still, the EPA has failed to act.

Drinking water includes both tap and bottled forms. Bottled water is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which regulates contaminants in bottled water based on the EPA’s limits. Consumer Reports recently tested 47 bottled waters and detected PFAS in 43 of them, including sparkling cans.

To limit your exposure to PFAS, call the water experts at Reynolds Water today. They will test your water and offer an appropriate reverse osmosis filter. Choose bottled waters carefully, and avoid products that are known to contain PFAS.

For more information about PFAS, watch this documentary called “The Devil We Know” or browse this informatory website from EWG which explains in detail where PFAS originated, a map of the spread, and what you can do to stop it from affecting you and your loved ones. Also check out our past blog articles: “Michigan’s new PFAS Rules Among Strictest in Nation,” “Erin Brockovich claims the US is in an Unimaginable Water Crisis,” and “Toxic PFAS Leach Through Most In-Home Drinking Water Filters.”

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

Eye Damage from Glaucoma Reversed in Mice

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Scientists from Harvard Medical School have successfully restored vision in old mice by “reprogramming” cells to a younger state in which they can fix or replace damaged tissue. This accomplishment is the first to show it might be possible to safely reprogram complex tissues to a previous state. The researchers successfully reversed eye damage from glaucoma in mice; glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Notable retina benefits included nerve regeneration and reversal of vision loss in animals with and without glaucoma.

Further studies will undoubtedly pave the way for tissue reprogramming to be tested on other organs, thereby reversing age-related diseases in humans. Further studies remain to be replicated prior to human experimentation; however, this novel discovery paves the way for reversing age-related human ailments.

The researchers theorized aging results from cells within the body containing the same DNA molecules but drastically varied roles. These cells only read genes specific to their type. The theory suggests that changes can cause cells to read the “wrong” genes and malfunction, which in turn causes the aging process to decline/reverse.

Aging reduces the efficiency of all cells and organs in our bodies; our brains are no exception. Circuit-forming neurons can adapt to change, regenerating in response to injury. This process weakens over time, which has long been known, but how these shifts lead to deterioration is still unknown.

Eye conditions that damage the optic nerve can result in glaucoma. Without healthy optic nerves, blindness can result. Abnormally high eye pressure is usually the cause of significant impairment. One of the leading causes of blindness in people ages 60 and up is glaucoma. The absence of specific warning signs combined with a gradual effect is usually a perfect storm for glaucoma’s presence to be noticed at an advanced stage.

There are many risk factors to consider regarding glaucoma; additionally, preventative measures can be implemented to ensure vision loss is not taking place or worsening.

For more information, read the full article in Nature. Contact the experts at Rohr Eye & Laser Center today to schedule an eye exam and measure your ocular pressure. Glaucoma recognized early can be slowed or prevented.

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

The Most Beneficial Foods for Eye Health

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Drinking plenty of water, eating nutrient-rich foods, and exercising can improve our lives and increase health benefits. Eye health is also supported through these same activities. Regularly consuming specific vitamins and nutrients can prevent or delay sight-threatening eye conditions and diseases which include macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Fish: omega-3 fatty acids are present in oily fish such as tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and herring. Studies have shown that dry eye can be reversed by fish oil consumption.

Nuts, seeds, and legumes: beyond omega-3 fatty acids, nuts also contain a high Vitamin E level, which can protect the eye from age-related damage. Examples include: Brazil nuts, hemp seeds, walnuts, lentils, flax seeds, cashews, chia seeds, and peanuts.

Citrus fruits: boasting high amounts of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights age-related eye damage, citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits can improve eye health.

Leafy green vegetables: kale, spinach, and collard greens are highly beneficial for eye health since they contain lutein, Vitamin C, and zeaxanthin.

Carrots: beta carotene and Vitamin A are both highly present in this vegetable, and both play an essential role in eye and vision wellbeing.

Sweet Potatoes: getting their orange color from beta carotene just like carrots, sweet potatoes also contain Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant helpful to increase eye health.

Beef: high levels of zinc are linked to beef consumption, which can delay age-related sight loss and macular degeneration. The eye itself contains high levels of zinc, especially in the retina.

Eggs: lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc are present in eggs. These are all vital nutrients to combat age-related vision loss.

Water: to reduce dry eyes and dehydration, drink plenty of water daily.

Try consuming these foods to increase your overall eye health. For more information or to ask a professional for advice regarding ocular issues, contact the specialists at Rohr Eye & Laser Center today.

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

Uncategorized

City of Destin, FL Wins Water Tank of the Year

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Across the United States and Canada, over 23,000 votes were cast and 300 water tanks nominated for Tank of the Year competition sponsored by Tnemec Company, Inc. A panel of water tank enthusiasts selected the tank design based on criteria such as artistic value, significance of the tank to the community, and challenges encountered during the project. Bossier City, Louisiana was the winner of the People’s Choice competition, as it won 6,281 votes from members of the public.

Scott Keilbey, Director of Sales – Water Tank Market at Tnemec explained, “The tank includes a one-of-a-kind seascape mural that now stands high above Destin in an ultra-realistic homage to all the wildlife that call the Gulf of Mexico home. From the beginning, Destin knew its tank would need to be unique, which is why they chose long-time water tank mural artist, Eric Henn, to complete the piece.”

The tank was painted with Tnemec’s UV-resistant, long-lasting fluoropolymer finish, Series 700 HydroFlon, which will ensure the design will last through the hot and humid Florida climate.

Among the top 12 finalists for 2020 include tanks in: Bossier City, Louisiana; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Muscatine, Iowa; Cumming, Iowa; White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Grafton, Ohio; Hutchinson, Kansas; Troy, Virginia; Jansen, Nebraska; Pain Court, Ontario; and Kansas City, Missouri.

Keilbey explained, “This is the 15^th anniversary of the competition, which recognizes municipalities for their aesthetic, creative, and innovative uses of Tnemec’s high-performance coatings on water storage tank projects. This year’s finalists represent several different types of water tanks in various shapes and sizes, all of them impressive for one reason or another.”

Destin’s tank will be featured as the month of January in Tnemec’s 2021 water tank calendar and presented as winner of Tank of the Year. The following months of the calendar will include finalists and other nominees.

To read more about the water tank competition, refer to the full article by Water World. For all of your drinking water questions or needs, contact the professionals at Reynolds Water Conditioning today.

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

Reynolds Water

Technologists Celebrated during National Radiologic Week

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Radiologic technicians have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic more than most people. These technicians have taken a front-seat approach and made a direct impact on the virus outbreak. They work extremely close with coronavirus patients daily, unlike many people throughout the world.

National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) marks the centennial celebration for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT.) It also exhibits and honors those who perform thousands of X-rays, MRIs, CTs, mammograms, nuclear medicine, cardiac and vascular international, and ultrasound procedures weekly. The vital work of radiologic technologists across the nation are celebrated annually during NRTW. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the x-ray on November 8, 1895, which is commemorated by NRTW.

More than 340,000 radiologic technologists have completed chest X-rays, CT scans, and cardiac ultrasounds for COVID-19 patients. These lifesaving procedures have been crucial in detecting and handling virus advancement. When dealing with pandemic patients, proper ventilation placement and ensuring patients receive appropriate care is paramount.

To learn more about NRTW, check out the American Society of Radiologic Technologists website. For more information about purchasing radiologic parts, contact RadParts for all your needs today.

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

Protect your Medicare Card from Fraud

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Medicare card fraud is rampant during open enrollment periods, which is currently running until December 7th. Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs for taxpayers, so it’s important to know how to protect your Medicare card and number. The most imperative thing to keep in mind is that your Medicare card should be guarded with the same security as your credit card. Doctors or hospital settings are the only people who should have those numbers.

Safeguard your card by taking the following steps:

Keep your Medicare number private. If anyone calls asking for your number, don’t give it. This is a common Medicare scam.
Money or gifts for free medical care should be refused. It’s a common ploy by identity thieves who say they need your number to verify certain things.
Keep track of your doctor’s appointments and upcoming tests, and use a calendar to record appropriately. Look for items and services listed on your Medicare statements, along with other details that might be incorrect. If you see a suspicious charge or service and you know the provider, call the office directly to inquire.
Stay alert during the coronavirus pandemic since con artists take advantage of people who are highly distracted or disoriented.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-Medicare or call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor at 1-877-7SAFERX. To speak with a professional regarding your Medicare plan, contact Senior Health Medicare today.

Senior Health Medicare is a superior resource for Medicare guidance, information, and ongoing client support. Selecting a Medicare plan is not a frivolous decision. It requires annual revisiting and re-evaluating in order for the client to stay in the most cost-effective coverage. Senior Health Medicare is here to serve as your resource through all the years to come. Contact us today at 888-404-5049 or visit us on the web at www.seniorhealthmedicare.com. Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Senior Health Medicare

CUNA Mutual Invests in Medicare Agency

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Coverage Insurance Solutions announced they will be working with CUNA Mutual Group and examine opportunities to offer Medicare insurance options to credit union members. Founder and CEO of Coverance, Chris Mullins, said the company uses senior-focused marketing, data analytics, and automation designed to improve how seniors purchase Medicare insurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic showcases the importance of proper Medicare insurance for seniors. This has accelerated an upward trend toward centralized call centers, which were traditionally answered by insurance agents in person.

Mike Sekits, managing director of Strandview, said “We have sponsored this management team at two previous successful companies enjoying a very similar business model. The Coverance team has deep experience marketing complex financial services to seniors. They are employing a proven business model – including a highly-efficient call center, state-of-the-art technology, and a highly-effective marketing strategy – to build a leading brand in the Medicare insurance market.”

Strandview Capital’s website said strategic and opportunistic growth capital are provided to companies in the financial software and services sector. “We have established expertise and success investing in companies that are recession-resistant or even thrive in uncertain economic times. We typically lead structured, minority equity investments of $5 million to $15 million per company, and we are often the only institutional investors alongside management.”

CUNA Mutual Group is worth $25 billion in assets and offers commercial and consumer insurance, retirement and investment solutions, and business solutions including data and analytics, lending capabilities, and marketing services.

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

Omega

Causes of Hand & Wrist Pain

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Creative Programs and Systems

Our hands and wrists are often an afterthought when it comes to self-care. Many people are not proactive in protecting their extremities from damage despite the fact that they are vital to a number of daily activities. Fine motor functions wouldn’t be possible without our hand-eye coordination; thus, pain in the area can easily affect your overall quality of life. Read on to discover some common culprits of hand and wrist pain and how to manage them.

Arthritis: osteoarthritis is when cartilage (cushions for your bones) deteriorates over time. It is typically uncommon in the wrist, though it may occur in those who have suffered injuries in the past. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues. The wrists are commonly susceptible and both are usually involved. Basal (thumb) arthritis is recognized by pain at the thumb base and can be treated with splints, injections, and reconstructive surgery.

Tendonitis: an inflammation of the tendons, which connects muscle to bone. It is caused by repetitive use or sudden injury. Symptoms consist of pain in the tendon area, swelling, and loss of motion. Treatments include ice, rest, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications. Steroid injections are also sometimes recommended.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: affecting almost eight million people in America, this syndrome is marked by a numbness and tingling in the hand/arm, which is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. Symptoms include hand numbness, pin-and-needles sensation, wrist pain, and cramping. Splints are recommended in order to give the wrists a break, but anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery can be treatments as well.

Trigger finger: recognized when the tendons in the fingers or thumb become stuck in a bent position. Pain, popping sensation when using specific fingers, and stiffness are common symptoms. Treatment consists of immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication, restricting activities, and steroid injections.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: numb or tingling sensations in the ring and small fingers, forearm, and/or weakness in the hand are signs of this syndrome. Avoiding actions that cause the syndrome can help reduce symptoms. Wrapping a pillow or towel loosely around the elbow can help, as can wearing a splint at night while sleeping. Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe cases.

Ganglion Cyst: commonly found on the underside of wrists. Usually benign, they can quickly grow and change in size. Bigger cysts can be painful or limit wrist movement. Repetitive movements can cause the cysts to grow, while rest can help them subside. In severe cases, immobilization or non-surgical draining of the fluid is recommended. If the cyst returns, minor surgery for a full removal is sometimes required.

Repetitive Strain Injury: muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments are affected, caused by improper technique or overuse of the fingers, hands, and wrists. More than three million cases per year are reported in America. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are most commonly prescribed.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: marked pain on the thumb side of your wrist, swelling near the base of the thumb, inability to make a fist, strenuous to grasp objects, or difficulty moving the thumb. Treated with over-the-counter medications or steroids to reduce swelling, the exact cause hasn’t been proven.

For proper diagnosis of any of the above syndromes or diseases, contact the specialists at Michigan Hand & Wrist today. We not only diagnose, but we can also help you manage your symptoms and live pain-free.

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