Livingston Reporting - page 30

Types of Emergency Shelters

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Emergency shelters are typically built during a catastrophic event and aren’t planned out too far in advance. Depending on the situation, it’s important to devise a plan to craft a shelter that can protect you from whatever circumstances arise while using the least amount of time and energy possible. 

To start building an emergency shelter, collect materials and use whatever you can find to create a refuge between you and the elements. Look for large objects that can be propped up with sticks or poles to provide a solid roof or shade. Make use of whatever you have in your bug-out bag, as well. 

You can create several different types of emergency shelters with four main components: support structure, cover, insulation, and flooring. Some examples include: 

A-Frame
This type of shelter resembles a tipi as the frame is made up of sticks, then covered and insulated by another material. Ensure there is enough room to sit up straight inside.

Snow Pit
When there is heavy snowfall, utilize the insulation it can provide by creating an igloo-type of hut. These shelters can actually be quite warm, as snow is an extremely effective insulator.  

Lean-To
These shelters are added to an existing foundation, so the rafters are “leaning” against a wall. Though it provides minimal protection from wind, it is a quick build and can reflect heat well. 

Canvas Shade
When rain falls, canvas can protect you from getting wet. It is also beneficial for blocking wind and sun. Military-style ponchos can sometimes double as a shade, as they have grommets at the edges for this specific purpose. 

When seeking shelter, don’t overlook caves, either. Keep an eye out for wild animals and stay just far enough inside so you will be safe from the elements. 

Whichever shelter you construct, remember that function is the utmost important factor in the building process. 

______________________________________

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Wolf Survival Gear

Using Carbon Capture & Storage in Residential Settings

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a method to reduce carbon emissions to treat global warming. It’s a three-step process in which we attempt to separate and capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes, (like steel and cement production or from burning fossil fuels to generate power,) before it enters the atmosphere.

Once captured, the carbon is compressed and transported via pipeline, trucking, etc., where it’s later stored. Storage locations include holding tanks, underground saline aquifers, or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. 

According to the Global CDC Institute, CSS is “a proven technology that has been in safe operation for over 45 years.” While we aspire to capture 90-100%, our current technology has a success rate of 50-68% of captured carbon.

Carbon capture technology is not new; however, decarbonization efforts on residential buildings are, along with discovered methods to reprocess stored CO2. 

In Manhattan, five multi-family properties owned by Glenwood Management plan to install CSS systems by March 2023. CO2 will be captured through the buildings’ flue exhaust before escaping into the environment.

The gas will undergo a multi-stage process where it will produce CO2 in a liquid form, then be stored securely in a bulk tank. From there, the liquid CO2 will be sold to an NYC-based masonry firm, where the CO2 will be made into concrete blocks.

In 2024, New York City’s Local Law 97 will begin to penalize buildings based on their CO2 emissions, so we’ll likely see this technology expand throughout.

________________________

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 of 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 team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

State Electric Co.

About Half of Lung Cancer Patients with Medicare Don’t Receive the Appropriate Imaging Before Treatment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States is lung cancer. According to a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine in January, roughly half of Medicare patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) do not receive the appropriate imaging before radiation treatment. 

Research has shown that up to 72 percent of patients with lung cancer who receive NSCLC with FDG PET/CT imaging have seen various treatment changes. Compared to patients who underwent CT imaging alone, patients with FDG PET/CT imaging had substantially improved cancer-specific survival rates. 

As a result, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have changed to suggest all recurrent NSCLC patients receive FDG PET/CT to evaluate for metastatic disease. 

The study conducted by researchers examined over 5,000 patients with NSCLC requiring radiation therapy. Those who received only CT imaging were in one group, and those who received additional FDG PET/CT were in another. Scientists investigated the overall and cancer-specific survival rates of both groups. 

When comparing survival rates after three years, those who received only CT imaging had substantially lower overall and cancer-specific survival rates compared to patients who underwent FDG PET/CT imaging. 

In total, 56.3 percent of patients experienced FDG PET/CT before radiation therapy, and 43.6 percent had CT imaging alone. 

Rustain Morgan, MD, MS, a nuclear radiologist at the University of Colorado in Aurora, Colorado, said, “This research shows a clear lack of adherence to guidelines and raises important questions as to why. We believe these findings are the tip of the iceberg for guideline nonadherence. More work needs to be done in order to better understand the scope of the issue, with further work focused on interventions which ensure guideline adherence.”

_____________________________________

RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at  877-704-3838 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

RadParts

U of M Develops 3D Imaging for Safer Cancer Radiation Treatment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a treatment using precise 3D imaging technology that offers a safer and more effective way to measure and dose radiation. 

The novel treatment is a means for doctors to view data in real-time, previously unseen. By catching and magnifying small sound waves created by x-rays, radiologists can chart the radiation dose more accurately, allowing real-time treatment. 

Xueding Wang, the Jonathan Rubin Collegiate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Radiology, corresponding author of the study in Nature Biotechnology, and leader of the University of Michigan’s Optical Imaging Laboratory, said, “Once you start delivering radiation, the body is pretty much a black box. We don’t know exactly where the x-rays are hitting inside the body, and we don’t know how much radiation we’re delivering to the target. And each body is different, so making predictions for both aspects is tricky.” 

For hundreds of thousands of cancer patients, radiation is the main treatment, which blitzes a specific area of the body with extreme energy waves and particles to kill cancer cells. Though the treatment is standard, the lack of precision leaves room for improvement, as well as the increased risk of developing new cancers around the treatment area. 

Now, with 3D imaging, doctors can more precisely direct the radiation and limit the exposure of adjoining healthy tissue. The new technology can effortlessly be added to current radiation therapy equipment without modifying existing physician methods.

“In future applications, this technology can be used to personalize and adapt each radiation treatment to assure normal tissues are kept to a safe dose and that the tumor receives the dose intended. This technology would be especially beneficial in situations where the target is adjacent to radiation sensitive organs such as the small bowel or stomach,” said Kyle Cuneo, associate professor of radiation oncology at Michigan Medicine. 

___________________________

TTG Imaging Solutions, formally 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 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Acceletronics

Water Softener Basics

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A water softener is an appliance specifically made for ridding calcium and magnesium from water. All water is not the same, and it’s dubbed as “hard” when it has high amounts of magnesium and calcium.  Conversely, “soft” water does not have these minerals, or they are barely detectable.

Lakes and streams naturally have soft water. Underground water is usually hard in regions with high amounts of chalk, gypsum, and limestone. Water softeners remove these mineral components absorbed from the earth, making your water soft. 

Some water softeners work through either an ion exchange or salt-free devices. An ion exchange is the most common type of water softener, using sodium to replace calcium and magnesium metal ions. A large tank is filled with salt pellets, and as the water fills the tank, the sodium ions react with the calcium and magnesium, making it soft.

Salt-free devices use a mechanical filter to eliminate calcium but do not work with magnesium. These devices let water pass through a semipermeable membrane which rids it of roughly 98% of contaminants.  

Some benefits of water softeners include:

– Removing orange or yellow stains on sinks, shower walls, toilets, etc.

– Improving the mineral balance of the water

– Purifying toxins

– Reducing appliance repairs and unnecessary replacements

– Making general cleaning easier  

– Transforming unpotable water into potable water

– Eliminating scale build-up

– Minimizing eczema

Overall, water softeners can be a beneficial addition to your home. By purifying your water, you can effortlessly remove minerals that can negatively impact your home, body, and overall health.

Are you looking for a water purifier or need assistance choosing the best option? Contact the water conditioning 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 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Reynolds Water

Novel Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed in the wrist’s carpal tunnel, becoming inflamed. Pain, tingling, numbness in the hand, and/or first two fingers can occur as a result of CTS, which is the most common entrapment neuropathy affecting up to five percent of people in the United States.

CTS is generally more common in women than men, affecting them ten times more, and symptoms typically develop between the ages of 40 and 60.

The causes of CTS are unclear, but it can be triggered through:

–                     Strain or damage to the wrist (sprain or fracture) resulting in swelling
–                     Overactive pituitary gland
–                     Underactive thyroid gland
–                     Rheumatoid arthritis
–                     Issues with the wrist joint
–                     Constant use of pulsating hand tools
–                     Pregnancy or menopause (fluid retention)
–                     Cysts or tumors

Mild CTS symptoms can be relieved by using splints, rest, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to reduce pressure on the median nerve.  

A novel study conducted by scientists from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in Delhi, India, found that hydrodissection can provide long-term relief from CTS. Hydrodissection is a technique that separates a nerve from the surrounding tissue by injecting saline or another sterile solution.

Participants with a mean age of 44 years (ranging from 25 to 62 years) were divided into three random groups. Two groups had ultrasound-guided hydrodissection, while the third received a corticosteroid injection. Neither group knew which treatment they received. After four weeks, all three groups showed a reduction in pain symptoms, but the group that received the corticosteroid experienced emerging symptoms after 12 to 24 weeks.

This straightforward and effective treatment is promising for CTS patients as it is simple, inexpensive, and does not require high-end treatment. The study participants reported no adverse effects, unlike corticosteroid injections, which are known to have some adverse side effects.

Do you suffer from CTS and are in need of relief? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist today.

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

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

MI Hand & Wrist

Big Home Renovation Trends to Watch in 2023

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With homeownership comes the ability to make it your own. Adding your own personality and following design trends throughout your home can make a huge impact. Remodeling your kitchen, updating your bathroom, installing a fence, updating plumbing or HVAC, etc., can boost your home’s comfort for years to come.

Renovations in the new year are expected to be more mechanical versus cosmetic due to the rising cost of materials and high inflation. When choosing between fixing a broken fence or repairing a burst pipe, homeowners are expected to select the more critical option. 

Here are some forecasted trends on the horizon for 2023:

Home Offices
Following the pandemic, many people continue to work from home. Renovating home offices is expected to continue on trend throughout 2023. For professionals who own businesses, the convenience of being at home outweighs purchasing or renting a commercial space.

Energy Efficiency
As an increasing number of people reduce their carbon footprint, the eco-friendly aspects of a home are expected to rise. The Inflation Reduction Act incentivizes homeowners to craft energy-efficient home updates in 2023 with the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit. Experts project a monumental shift toward solar energy this year by installing subsidized solar panels. Increasing utility bills have caused many homeowners to seek smart HVAC systems to monitor and track their usage and spending. Adding insulation and installing energy-efficient appliances, low-flush toilets, etc., are expected to be trendy in 2023. 

Outdoor Living
Piggybacking on our first trend of more homeowners spending time at home, many people are seeking to maximize livable space. Decks, patios, gardens, outdoor kitchens, pools, and other outdoor amenities are expected to rise in 2023 as homeowners look for comfortable and functional options to complement their at-home lifestyle.

Multi-Dwelling Residences
Rising interest rates and real estate costs are being shared between new homeowners who want to split their home into multiple residences. Multi-generational living is expected to be a huge trend in 2023, as the economy has shifted and an increasing number of children are going back to live with their parents, or aging parents are opting to move in with their grown offspring. 

Are you thinking of updating your home to include a dedicated home office, improve efficiency, update your kitchen, or more? Contact the home renovation experts at JFC Remodeling today. 

____________________

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Jason Foldenauer Construction

2023 Housing Market Predictions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The housing market is being eyed with heavy suspicion and uncertainty as rising interest rates combined with an unstable housing market and an increase in median sales prices. With the new year comes new questions pertaining to costs, sales, and more.

Home values in Michigan have risen by roughly 32 percent in the past two years, with the average-priced home valued at $235,649 on Zillow, up 8.1 percent compared to 2022. Local real estate experts predict that Detroit home values will increase another two percent through July 2023 before evening out. 

Agents in the Michigan Association of Realtors say the current environment could be challenging for many buyers as housing availability and inventory are both on the lower side. Typically, there is a six-month supply of homes, but lately, Michigan is seeing about one month’s supply of homes available. 

The market is affecting the mortgage rates, which makes buyers leery, driving down the list price on homes and making multiple offers – more competition – growing obsolete. 

Home values throughout Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, Lansing, and Muskegon are expected to rise in 2023 by anywhere from .05 percent to 5.7 percent, with no signs of slowing down.  

The good news is that easing inflation and lowering rate hikes by the Federal Reserve will likely cause mortgage rates to drop below six percent in the spring and summer of 2023. 

The falling rates will improve home affordability for many homebuyers. As the home price growth levels off, inventory constraints will cause the market to see more competition. With homeowners sticking to lower interest rates, determined buyers will try to grab whatever homes are available. 

If you are in the market for a mortgage, contact the professionals 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 or e-mail us today!  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com

EB Mortgage

Landmark Lawsuit Could Force Google to Divest Ads

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A lawsuit filed by the United States Justice Department targets Alphabet’s Google and its monopoly in the advertising space. If the case succeeds, rivals of Google Ads, such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon could find an advantage. However, advertisers would have an uncertain future in this scenario.

The Justice Department demanded in the complaint that Google divest its Ad Manager, a suite of tools that allows websites to distribute ads and find customers based on their interests, gender, location, and more.

Apple has been swiftly increasing its emerging advertising sector, endorsing its privacy features, and could be a budding contender if Google Ads loses its stronghold. Since Apple’s data is compiled through phone ownership, its Safari web browser, and the dispersal of applications through its app store, it will have the ability to swiftly diversify its focus into the ad realm.

If the lawsuit filed by the Justice Department succeeds, advertisers and publishers will both experience more leverage with multiple options and an entirely new roster of players. With that comes more competition, as the space will open up to many others.

Google’s advertising competitors are constantly developing new products for publishers (news websites) and advertisers buying those ads. If Google is forced to divest, competitors such as Microsoft’s Xandr will have an edge, as they will continue to work with both sides.

The gains will also come financially for publishers, as they will have more options, inevitably driving down the overall cost in the sector. As more competition emerges, Google Ads will predictably become less effective.

This is not the first time the government has filed lawsuits against dominant companies in an effort to break up monopolies. In 1974, a lawsuit broke up AT&T, which resulted in many advancements and innovations in the telephone industry. In 1998, the Justice Department filed a suit against Microsoft aimed at reining in the company by prohibiting them from extending its dominant operating system to the internet browser. Ironically, the Justice Department and Microsoft settlement paved the way for other internet innovators such as Google.

_______________________________

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 team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Creative Programs and Systems

Vehicle Dealer Bonds Increased

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Since January 23, 2023, the Michigan Uniform Vehicle Dealer Surety Bonds (also known as Michigan auto dealer bonds or Michigan motor vehicle dealer bonds) has increased from $10,000 to $25,000. 

Mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws 257.248, the surety bond requirement has yet to be distributed to all motor vehicle dealers. Any individuals or business entities who sell or deal in five or more motor vehicles within a 12-month period are subject to the code. This ensures the public will receive compensation for any damages if the auto dealer is not in compliance with the dealer licensing law.

Regulated by the Michigan Secretary of State, the Michigan legislature enacted the license to guarantee dealers engage in ethical business practices such as remitting payment for taxes and fees. Specific licenses are required for auto dealers by the State of Michigan, depending on the nature of the business. Dealers will need to acquire a license for each type of business they are active in. 

The different types of Michigan Dealer Licenses are:

  • Class A: New Vehicle Dealer
  • Class B: Used Vehicle Dealer
  • Class C: Used Vehicle Parts Dealer*
  • Class D: Broker
  • Class E: Distressed Vehicle Transporter*
  • Class F: Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor*
  • Class G: Vehicle Salvage Pool*
  • Class H: Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer
  • Class R: Automotive Recycler*
  • Class W: Wholesaler*

*It is important to note that classes C, E, F, G, R, and W are exempt from the surety bond requirement. 

The Michigan Department of State requires that existing bonds be increased with a rider amendment document provided at the next renewal. The deadline for filing paperwork to increase the Michigan auto dealer amount is December 31, 2023. Any dealers who do not file the required documents before the deadline will potentially have their licenses canceled.

All existing bonds are subject to the increase at the next renewal term, so dealers who have active bonds already on file with the state of Michigan can expect the bond amount to increase by inflated premiums on their next renewal term. Any newly paid renewal invoices should be filed with the state of Michigan.

_________________________

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Construction Bonding Specialists