Can you save Energy and Money with a new Tankless Water Heater?

Absolutely! But first you must select the right type and size of tank less water heater to meet the specific demands of a particular application.

From the time the first water heater was patented by Edwin Ruud in 1898, storage tank-type units have dominated the U.S. market. In recent years, tank less water heating technology has emerged as a viable alternative to storage-type models for U.S. consumers and businesses, primarily on the strength of industry claims that the former consume less energy and therefore cost less to operate. While tank less water heaters can reduce energy consumption, consumers and business owners and managers mus carefully consider a number of variables when deciding whether going tank less is right for them

A little History


Tank less technology has been the primary method for heating water in Europe and Asia for a number of years, and it is not new to the U.S. market. However, the tank less water heater industry in this country has suffered from high initial product costs, concerns about product liability, misrepresentation of product capabilities, and a lack of sufficient infrastructure to support the technology.

Most of these issues have been addressed in the past few years. The recent creation of test methods for tank less water heaters by the Gas Appliance Manufacturer Association (GAMA) should help ensure that manufacturers' performance claims are verifiable, and that information is available for consumers and end users to make accurate product comparisons, especially with storage products with which they- and the installers they hire-are most familiar.

Gas Storage vs. Gas Tank Less


Be design, gas storage water heaters maintain a ready supply of hot water, and they are well-insulated to minimize the amount of heat lost from all that stored hot water. Still, this standby heat loss represents almost 20% of the operating cost of a storage water heater

By contrast, a tank less water heater has no storage capacity and therefore, no stand by heat loss. In addition, some tank less gas water heaters feature electronic ignition and can modulate the gas input based on the temperature of the water supply and desired output temperature. These energy-saving features help make some tank less gas water heaters 10%-30% more fuel-efficient than a comparable storage water heater. The energy-efficiency measure most commonly used for comparing residential water in the Energy Factor. The DOE has set minimum EF efficiency standards for residential water heaters, using a formula that factors in storage capacity. An estimated annual cost of operation can then be determined, using the EF value and fuel cost.

Comparing the EF's and operating costs for a 40-Gallon gas water heater and a tank less gas water heater with comparable hot-water outputs. The January 2004  NAECA Energy efficiency requirements set the minimum EF level for a 40-Gallon gas water heater at .59. The gighest EF for a 40-Gallon atmospheric water heater listed in the latest GAMA directory is .64. Comparing the most efficient 40-Gallon storage water heater (EF=.64) to the most efficient tank less water heater (EF=.85) nets an annual savings of $53.


The 2003 Frost and Sullivan report on the U.S. Water Heating Equipment Market estimated the average price of a residential gas storage water heater at $223 and a tank less water heater at $606. Using these figures, the payback for the initial expense of the tank less water heater would be more than seven years ($606-$223 divided by $53). A recent article in the October 2004 edition of The Wholesaler magazine estimated the installed cost of a 50-Gallon gas water heater at $850 to $1300, compared with $300-$2300 for a tank less water heater.)

In short, energy is still relatively cheap in the United States, which results in relatively lengthy payback periods. What's more, these calculations do not reflect the additional costs typical required in a replacement application. For example: Most of today's high-BTU input, high efficiency tank less water heaters require venting materials and/or sizes that are very different-and more costly-than the materials used by conventional , atmospheric-type, storage water heaters.
-Some tank less heaters may also need larger lines.
-Models with the highest available EF's all require a 110-volt power supply.

These additional material costs-even before labor is factored into the equation may increase the payback period to 12 years or more. However, for water heaters installed in new-construction projects, the additional labor and some of the materials for the system upgrade would be eliminated, resulting in a shorter payback period.

To sum up: Tank less water heaters will save energy when compared with storage-type water heaters, but the initial acquisition and installation cost must be carefully evaluated to determine accurately any potential dollar savings. Only the customer or the end used can decide wither it is worth waiting for the payback.

Right-Sizing


Ultimately, customer satisfaction with any water heater depends on proper sizing: making certain there is an adequate supply of hot water to meet not just one or two, but all the carious needs of a given application, residential or commercial. Tank less water heater manufacturers recognize the critical importance of sizing, which is why sizing information is readily available on their web sites and in their product literature and sales materials.

For either a storage water heater or a tank less water heater, the size of the water heater should be based on the amount of hot water needed during peak demand- normally during the morning hours. For a storage water heater, peak demand is calculated in gallons per hour (gph), and the amount of storage required to meet this demand is determined accordingly. Tank less water heaters maintain no storage, of course. They are dependent on water flow rate, as well as Btu inputs and incoming water temperatures, so their outputs are listed as gallons per minute (gpm). The appropriate gpm capacity can be determined by adding together the flow rates of the various appliances and fixtures in use during peak demand.

Incoming water temperature is an important, but frequently overlooked, variable in the sizing of a tank less water heater. Tank less units are designed to raise the incoming water temperature to the set point of the thermostat control. In practical terms, the amount of hot water produced-that is, the flow rate in gallons per minute- will vary up or down with incoming water temperatures: the higher the incoming temperature, the more hot water that can be produced. Likewise, lower incoming temperatures yield less hot water at the desired set temperature.

For example:
- With temperature set point of 120 Degrees Fahrenheit and 70 Degrees incoming water, a water heater may produce 6.7 gpm of 120 Degrees water.
-The same water heater with the same set point will provide only 4.8gpm when it must heat 50 degrees Fahrenheit  incoming water.

The bottom line? If the combined flow rates of all the hot-water appliances and fixtures in use during the peak-demand period exceeds 4.8gpm, the home or business owner will likely be calling you to complain about not having enough hot water!

That's why any water heater-storage or tank less - must be sized to meet peak demand requirements when the incoming water temperature is coldest. This variable is most critical in parts of the United States where incoming water temperatures fluctuate dramatically between winter and summer. Parts of the country where groundwater temperatures remain relatively constant year-round do not need to contend with this issue. Manufacturers strongly recommend that consumers consult professional plumbers for proper water heater sizing.

So why go Tank Less


We have strived to impart quite a bit of cautionary information in this article. So you might wonder if all the publicity and promotion for tank less water heaters is just empty hype. The answer: Absolutely not! When properly sized, tank less water heaters can provide a wide range of benefits and features to consumers:

• Lower operating costs: Water heating can amount to upwards of 20% of a home's fuel costs. A tank less water heater operates only when there is actual demand for hot water. No fuel is consumed to maintain a stored supply of hot water throughout the day. 
• Compact size, small footprint: Because they are much smaller than storage water heaters, tank less models provide greater flexibility when choosing the water heater location. Than can free up valuable floor space for other uses. 
• Endless supply of hot water: Properly sized, a tank less water heater will provide as much hot water as needed, as long as it is needed. No waiting for a cold storage tank to recover, following periods of heavy hot-water demand. 
• Electronic temperature controls: Some tank less models feature thermostatic controls that allow the end user to set and achieve precise temperatures with no fluctuations. 
• Installation flexibility: Different tank less gas water heaters can be installed indoors or outdoors and may be vented horizontally or vertically. This flexibility means the water heaters can be placed close to the point of need, eliminating extended pipe runs. 

Tank less water heaters may not be a perfect fit for every project. But educated plumbing contractors and their customers can make the most of this exciting technology by taking the time to select and size the right models for their particular applications. 

Article: By Jim Connors a residential product manager for Rheem Water Heaters in Montgomery,Alabama. 

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Safely Treating Children's Fever and Pain

11 Tips for Safely Treating Children's Fever and Pain

WebMD Medical Reference

By Brenda Conaway

Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

When your child gets sick, you want to ease her aches and fever as soon as possible. But to do so safely, it’s important to follow careful guidelines to ensure that she gets the correct medication in the correct dose.
If they're not used right, over-the-counter (OTC) children’s medicines can cause serious and even life-threatening complications.
To make sure you are using OTC pain relievers safely for your child, follow these 11 tips. They are based on recommendations from leading health groups, including the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Read the Drug Facts label every time you use a medicine.

It will tell you the active ingredients, what the drug is used for, how much to give your child, how often to give it, potential drug interactions or side effects, and when to call the doctor. Why should you read it if you’ve used the medicine before? Things may have changed since the last time. For example, your child may have gotten older or gained weight, so the proper dosage may be different this time.

Look for the active ingredient.

This is what makes the medication work, and you need to know what it is and what it does. Remember that the name of the active ingredient is different than the brand name of the medicine. This means that two different brands of medicine can have the same active ingredient. So it’s important to be sure you are not giving your child two different medicines with the same active ingredient.
Different active ingredients can also do the same thing. For example, both acetaminophen and ibuprofen help reduce pain and fever. Knowing what the active ingredient is and what it does can also help you avoid accidentally giving your child two medicines that do the same thing.

Give the right formulation.

Medicines to help ease cold and flu symptoms are formulated differently for children and adults.  You should never give an adult cold medicine to a child, not even in a smaller amount. And you should always call your doctor if your infant develops a cold or a fever.

Always follow dosage instructions.

Some medication dosages are based on weight and some are based on age, so be sure to follow what the package recommends. For those based on a child’s age, it’s a good idea to consult with your child’s doctor if your child is very light or very heavy for his age. That way you can be sure that you are giving the right amount of medicine. Also, never give more than the recommended dose.

Only use the dosing tool that comes with the medication.

Never use a kitchen spoon or a dosing cup from a different medicine to give your child medication. Kitchen spoons can vary in size, as can dosing cups, so you can’t be sure that you’re giving the correct amount. If you misplace the dosing device that came with the medicine, you can talk to your pharmacist. Just be sure that the markings on the dosing device match the dose listed in the Drug Facts box on the medication label.

Know your measurement abbreviations.

When reading the label, be sure you can tell the difference between a tablespoon (tbsp) and a teaspoon (tsp), as well as between a milligram (mg), milliliter (mL), and ounce (oz).

Don’t give medicine to your child in the dark.

Children are often sick at night, so it’s not unusual to be half awake and fumbling for medicine in the dark. Take a minute to turn on the lights and put on your glasses, if you wear them, so that you can clearly read the medicine label and dosing device.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving more than one OTC medicine.

If your child has a cough and a headache, it may seem logical to give him two medicines -- one for each problem. But many cold and flu symptom remedies have the same ingredients as pain relievers. If you give your child both, it could lead to an accidental overdose. Reading the Drug Facts label can help you spot the same ingredients, but you should still check with the pharmacist or your doctor before using more than one OTC medicine.

Don’t use cough and cold products for children under 2.

These products often have more than one ingredient, such as a decongestant, antihistamine, expectorant, cough suppressant, or pain reliever. According to the FDA, the benefits of these products are not worth the risks of serious side effects that can happen from using too much of them in children age 2 and under.
Many manufacturers have voluntarily raised the age limit and recommend that these medicines not be given to children under the age of 4.

Do not give aspirin to children under age 18.

Giving aspirin to a child can cause a rare, life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome. Never give an aspirin-containing product to your child unless your doctor recommends it.

Know when to call the doctor.

If your child has had a cold for a few days and is not getting any better or gets worse, call his doctor right way. Don’t give any medicine for longer than the amount of time listed on the box.
By following a few simple steps, you can help your little one recover in comfort and safety.

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Boost Deodorant

Boost the power of deodorant: According to weather reports, it's going to e a scorcher! To keep embarrassing odor at bay while you run errands, lather underarms with bar soap instead of body wash during your morning shower, then apply deodorant as usual. Unlike creamy cleansing formulas, which tend to over-moisturize underarms (making deodorant ineffective), bar soap strips the skin's surface of oil. This lets the smell blocker penetrate pores more easily. 


We are a family owned company in the Houston area and we sell tons of items online either thru our website (www.lightning-deals.com) or in ebayhttp://stores.ebay.com/lightning-deals and we give the option to save you money by arranging to have the items you purchase picked up from us. Always be in the look out specially right now that the holidays are approaching and are many con artist out there. We provide a phone also to be able to talk to us personally. Thank you for your input
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Ease Anxiety

End back-to-school anxiety stat: Trying to squeeze doctor's appointments, parent-teacher conferences and school-supply shopping into your packed schedule has left you with a throbbing headache. TO quickly ease the pain, open the palm of one hand wide, stretching all five fingers. Using the thumb and index finger of your other hand, squeeze the mound of flesh where your thumb meets your palm for 30 seconds while breathing slowly and deeply. Repeat two or three times, then switch hands. Acupressurists attest that this spot, known as Union Valley, helps redirect the blocked energy that contributes to tension headaches



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Foot Pain

Cold Feet, Many Culprits

If your toes are always cold, one reason could be poor blood flow -- a circulatory problem sometimes linked to smoking, high blood pressure, or heart disease. The nerve damage of uncontrolled diabetes can also make your feet feel cold to you. Other possible causes include hypothyroidism and anemia. A doctor can look for any underlying problems -- or let you know that you simply have cold feet.

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We are a family owned company in the Houston area and we sell tons of items online either thru our website (www.lightning-deals.com) or in ebayhttp://stores.ebay.com/lightning-deals and we give the option to save you money by arranging to have the items you purchase picked up from us. Always be in the look out specially right now that the holidays are approaching and are many con artist out there. We provide a phone also to be able to talk to us personally. Thank you for your input

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Demand For Tank Less Water Heater

Obama looks to Preserve role in Government in Mortgage Market

President Obama last month directed a small team of advisers to develop a proposal that would keep the goverment playing a major role in the nation's mortgage market, extending a federal loan sudsidy for most home buyers, according to the Washington Post.
The decision follows the advice of his senior economic and housing advisers, who favor maintaing the government's role as an insurer of mortgages for most borrowers. The approach could even preserve Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage finance giants owned by the government, although under different names and with significant new constraints, said saources knowledgeable about the discussions.
A decision to preserce a majjor government role would mark a big milestone in effort to craft a new housing policy from the wreckaage of the mortgage metdown and could mean a larger part for Fannie Mae and Freddie than administration official had signaled .

In a statement, the white house said it is premature to say that senior officials have agreed on any of the three main options outlined earlier this year in an administration white paper on reforming the housing finance system.


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DCK280C2 20-Volt Max Compact Drill/Impact Combo Kit-DCK280C2 at The Home Depot

DCK280C2 20-Volt Max Compact Drill/Impact Combo Kit-DCK280C2 at The Home Depot



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Life Struggles

Life Struggles

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further. It just seemed to be stuck. Then the man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was the way of forcing fluid from the body into its wings, so that it could be ready for flight once it achieved it’s freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of the struggle, de deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets. Struggles are the training ground for a rich life.

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Harsh reality of lead paint rules

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All the remodelers out there who thought that the EPA RRP lead paint rules weren't going to be enforced may want to think again.
The EPA announced in May it would be pursuing action against a Rockland, Maine, remodeler for alleged violation of the RRP rules. The EPA has said that Colin Wentworth is facing fines of at least $150,000 for multiple violations.
In the first punitive action the EPA has taken for violation of the new rules, although the agency has cited several companies for failing to provide the "Renovate Right" pamphlet to owners of pre-1978 homes. That has been required of remodels for years, but many have ignored it.
The relatively lax enforcement of that rule has probably been what led many remodelers to think this would be no big deal.

In fact, in this case it wasn't the EPA out looking for violators. The EPA only announced the action after anonymous tipster alerted the agency to a video posted on YouTube of Wentworth's workers removing paint from the outside of a child-occupied , pre-1978 home without any of the required safety measures in place.
That's the real danger here. Yes, most likely, an EPA investigator is never going to drive by your project and see you violating the rules. The small number of enforcement agent makes that statistically unlikely.
Like most companies that are nailed for violating EPA regulations, remodelers are going to get caught because somebody tips off the agency. Whether it be a competitor, a disgruntled ex-employee or a neighbor unhappy with the mess, there are plenty of people out there to turn you in. The EPA is actively encouraging contractors to turn in other contractors. And that's before we even get to talking about the states. Individual states can take over enforcement and regulation of lead paint under RRP rules, as long as their regulations are at least as stringent as the federal rules. Fourteen states have already done so and more are expected to follow suit.
While the situation is going to vary from state to state, the likelihood is that this is going to lead to tougher enforcement, especially as states look to make up for budget shortfalls.
We're not done with this yet. We still don't know how several issues will shake out, including the NAHB's lawsuit against the EPA over the opt-out provision or the reconciliation of conflicting rules under EPA, OSHA and HUD. What ever happens, a year in the new world of lead paint it's clear that it's not something we can ignore.
by. Jonathan Sweet (Professional Remodeler)

We are a family owned company in the Houston area and we sell tons of items online either thru our website (www.lightning-deals.com) or in eBay http://stores.ebay.com/lightning-deals and we give the option to save you money by arranging to have the items you purchase picked up from us. Always be in the look out specially right now that the holidays are approaching and are many con artist out there. We provide a phone also to be able to talk to us personally. Thank you for your input

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BikePedia - 2003 Specialized Enduro Pro Complete Bicycle

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Repairing Pelvic Organ Prolapse

FDA: Repairing Pelvic Organ Prolapse With Mesh Risky

Risks Include Pain, Infection, Need for Additional Surgery

By Denise Mann
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

July 13, 2011 -- The risks of placing mesh through the vagina to repair pelvic organ prolapse may outweigh its benefits, according to the FDA.

Risks include mesh protruding out of the vaginal tissue (erosion),pain, infection, bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, organ perforation from tools used in the mesh placement, and urinary problems.  Additional surgeries and/or hospitalization may be needed to treat the complications or remove the mesh.

During pelvic organ prolapse, the internal structures that support the pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowel drop from their normal position and “prolapse” into the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse surgery can also be performed through the abdomen or vagina with stitches or surgical mesh to reinforce the repair and correct the anatomy. Surgical mesh is also widely used in hernia repairs and to treat stress incontinence.

In 2010, there were at least 100,000 pelvic organ prolapse repairs that used surgical mesh, and about 75,000 of these were transvaginal. These are the only procedures that the new FDA mesh warning applies to.

The FDA first issued a safety communication in 2008 after they received reports of adverse events associated with the transvaginal placement of mesh. Since then, the number of adverse events has increased, although they don't always differentiate between transvaginal and abdominal procedures. The group also reviewed the literature on the use of mesh for this procedure.

Now, the FDA will convene an outside panel of experts in obstetrics and gynecology to meet in September 2011 and discuss the safety and effectiveness of surgical mesh used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

FDA: Risks Outweigh Benefits

“We do not see conclusive evidence that using mesh for the transvaginal approach to pelvic organ prolapse improves clinical outcomes anymore than transvaginal procedures that do not use mesh,” says William Maisel, MD, the deputy center director for science at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health in Silver Spring, Md. “These devices appear to expose patients to greater risks."

“Mesh is a permanent implant, and complete removal may not be possible and may not result in complete resolution of complications," he says.

“This is not an indictment of surgical mesh,” he says. “We are talking about a very specific use of surgical mesh."

There may still be a role for mesh in certain transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse procedures, he says.  

“Some clinicians believe that the use of mesh for transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse is appropriate and is the best treatment option for selective patients such as those with severe pelvic organ prolapse,” he says.

Women who have had surgery for pelvic organ prolapse need to understand whether or not their procedure involved mesh. “For someone considering having a procedure for pelvic organ prolapse, speak with a doctor and understand if the surgery is going to use mesh, and ask about the benefits and why the decision was made,” he says.

Elizabeth A. Poynor, MD, a pelvic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, has never used mesh for transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse and likely never will.

“I don’t use mesh in my practice because I have seen a significant number of complications from other surgeons, and have seen how mesh erosion can be devastating for patients,” she says.

As to why use of mesh implants for this surgery took off in the first place, she says it may have a lot to do with the complexity of the procedure.

“This is one of the most detailed and complicated surgeries that we do and unless it is done correctly, it can have a significant chance of failing,” she says. Some surgeons believe the mesh boosts the chances of a successful surgery.

“There has been the general feeling that repairs are better and sounder if mesh is used, but mesh may not be better than the proper surgical correction,” she says.

“Women who are considering prolapse surgery should review the risks, benefits, and alternatives with their surgeon to make sure that it is the right choice,” Poynor says.

“This has been a long time coming,” says J. Eric Jelovsek, MD, a staff physician in the Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women's Health Institute of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.                                                                                      

Mesh placed transvaginally for pelvic organ prolapse does have some anatomical benefit, but that is it, he says. “Quality of life is no different if mesh is placed or not, and women have a higher risk of complications,” he says.

“This doesn’t mean that you should never have mesh placed transvaginally. It means you have to have an in-depth discussion with your surgeon of the options,” he says.

For women who have had the procedure with mesh, “if you are feeling fine and doing well, there is no reason to come in and get this checked out, but if you have question or concerns, then come in,” he says.

Most of the complications will occur in the year or two after the surgery, but others such as vaginal bleeding, pain with sex, and severe pelvic pain may develop later on.

Robert F. Porges, MD, MPH, director of the division of pelvic reconstructive surgery and urogynecology and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City, seldomly uses mesh during transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair.

But, he says, “in some severe cases where the muscles of the pelvic floor have been severely damaged or failed to develop, replacing the muscle with mesh may play a role,” he says. “Most women deserve an attempt to repair the prolapse using their native tissues and unless it is a failure or a repeat failure, using the mesh may not be as valuable as made out to be,” he says.

In a written statement, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists applauded the FDA's efforts. “The College supports FDA's upcoming initiative to convene an advisory committee, the Obstetrics Gynecology Devices Panel, to discuss the safety and effectiveness of [mesh] and notes with appreciation FDA's willingness to reconsider how it clears mesh products for marketing.”

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Around the Dinner Table

When families enjoy meals together, they often eat healthier food and develop stronger relationships. Try these ideas to make eating together a part of your family life.

• Keep a routine- Having meals at set times lets your children know what to expect. Together, look at your schedules, and pick a time that will work most days. You might make adjustments for the seasons--for example, meeting for a picnic after Lisa's soccer practice on Tuesday or eating later on the day Brad has play rehearsal.
• Keep it simple- Sometimes the pressure of cooking a meal keeps families from sitting down at home together. The idea is to eat together, not to have a fancy meal. Make sandwiches, grill hamburgers, or pick up a rotisserie chicken. Add a salad, or microwave fresh or frozen vegetables to go along with the main course. Idea: Serve certain favorite meals the same day of the week (Wednesday = Pizza).
• Keep it fun- Share a joke or tell a funny story. Play a game like "Two Truths," where you describe three things that happened that day--two are true, and one isn't. Everyone guesses which one isn't true. Can you stump each other? Note: Save discussions of money or problems at school for another time--keeping the conversation pleasant will encourage kids to stay at the table. 

Note: Meals are a time to enjoy each other. Turn off TV, cell phones, laptops, or handheld video games

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Avoiding Office Supply Scams

http://www.linkedin.com/in/lightningdeals

by: Eddie Sanchez, Director of Information Services and Advertisement Review

Everyday, many businesses, churches, and fraternal and charitable organizations are bilked out of millions of dollars by bogus office supply firms. Could your company be the victim of an office supply scam? If you don't have adequate purchasing controls, probably so, buy you can protect yourself by learning to recognize the scams and understanding your rights.

The typical officesupply scam involves goods or services that you routinely order: copier paper, toner and maintenance supplies, equipment maintenance contracts, or classified advertising.

Office supply scam artists generally use three ways to take your money:

1. Phony-Invoice scams-  the goal of the phony-invoice scam is to get the name and address of an employee, so your organization can be shipped and billed for unordered goods or services. The invoice includes the employee's name as the "authorized" buyer. Once the con artist has an employee's name and address, he'll ship unordered merchandise.
2. The pretender Scam- The caller may pretend to be your regular or previous supplier, a replacement, or an "authorized" supplier. By convincing you the goods or services and prices offered are the same as before, the caller hopes you won't bring up prices, quantities, and brands. Even if you do, the seller may tory to brush you off by saying, "We've supplied you in the past, but it's been a while," or" The price is the same as last time."
3. The gift-Horse scam- The caller tries to create mistrust within an organization. The scheme starts when the caller tricks an employee into accepting a gift or a free promotional item with a passing reference to merchandise or services. You receive overpriced  unorded merchandise, followed by an invoice with the employee's name. When the organization questions the employee, the fraudulent seller is betting the employee will be nervous about the gift  when he denies placing the order. The hope is the organization will doubt the employee. When this scheme works, the organization believes the employee blundered into ordering something that must be paid for.  Scam artists spend significant time and energy on collection efforts. They send as many invoices as it takes to get your money. Invoice often are stamped "Past Due." In extreme cases, they'll resort to real or bogus collection agencies and threats of legal action. When organizations complain they didn't order the merchandise or services or that the price is to high, the scam seller reacts in some predictable ways:

• Bullying- the seller argues if you express any uncertainty about wether the supplies or services were ever ordered: "They were ordered. We have a recording of Mr. Jones. If you don't pay, we can take you to court."
• Negotiating- Here, the seller agrees to accept a lower price. After all, the goods and services are grossly overpriced that almost anything the seller gets is profit.
• Charging for returned merchandise- The seller claims you can return merchandise if you pay a "restocking fee." In fact, the fee is often more than the goods are worth.

Protect your organization
You can protect your organization from paying for unordered goods and services. Here is how:

1. Know your rights. If you receive supplies or bills for services you didn't order, don't pay, and don't return the unordered merchandise.
2. Assign designated buyers and documen your purchases. The buyer should send a copy of every purchase order to you accounts payable department.
3. Check your documentation before paying bills.
4. Train your staff. Train eveyone in how to respond to telemarketers. Buy from people you know and trust.
   Report office supply scams to the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office. You may want to share your experiences with other businesses to help them avoid a rip-off

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Huevo cocido a la perfeccion

1. Coloca los huevos en una cacerola. Llenala con agua fria a que cubra los huevos por lo menos 1 pulgada.; tapala.
2. Haz hervir el agua, retira la cacerola del fuego. Deja reposar 15 min. 
3. Trasfiere los huevos a un envase con agua helada; dejalos enfriar. Rompe con cuidado los cascarones y pelalos. 

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Avoiding Contagious Diseases

Avoiding contagious diseases like the common cold, strep throat, and the flu is important to everyone. Here are five easy things you can do to fight the spread of infection.

1. Clean Hands.
   

• Use soap and warm water. Rub your hands really well for at least 15 seconds. Rub your palms, fingernails, in between your fingers, and the backs of your hands.
  
• Or, if your hands do not look dirty, clean them with alcohol-based hand sanitizer all over your hands, especially under your nails and between your fingers, until your hands are dry.
  

• Clean your hands before touching or eating food. Clean them after you use the bathroom, take out the trash, change a diaper, visit someone who is ill, or play with a pet.

2. Make sure health care providers clean their hands and wear gloves

• Doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care providers come into contact with lots of bacteria and viruses. So before they treat you, ask them if they've cleaned their hands.
  
• Health Care providers should wear clean gloves when they perform tasks such as taking throat cultures, pulling teeth, taking blood, touching wounds or body fluids, and examining your mouth or private parts. Don't be afraid to ask them if they should wear gloves.
  

3. Cover your mouth and nose

• Many diseases are spread through sneezes and coughs. When you sneeze or cough, the germs can travel 3 feet or more! Cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of infection to others
• Use a tissue! Keep tissues handy at home; at work and in your pocket. Be sure to throw away used tissues and clean your hands after coughing or sneezing
  
• If you don't have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the bend of your elbow or hands. If you use your hands, clean them right away.
  

4. If you are sick, avoid close contact with others

• If you are sick, stay away from other people or stay home. Don't shake hands or touch others
• When you go for medical treatment, call ahead and ask if there's anything you can do to avoid infecting people in the waiting room.

5. Get shots to avoid disease and fight the spread of infection

• Make sure that your vaccinations are current- Even for adults. Check with your doctor about shots your may need. Vaccinations are available to prevent these diseases:
  
• Chicken pox
• Measles
• Tetanus
• Shingles
  
• Flu (also known as influenza)
• Whooping cough (also known as Pertussis)
• German Measles (also known as Rubella)
• Pneumonia (Streptococcus Pneumoniae)
• Human Papillomarivirus (HPV)
• Mumps
• Diphtheria
  
• Hepatitis
  
• Meningitis
  

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Strategies To Fight Holiday Weight Gain

The average American gains several pounds in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. For people who are overweight or obese, this time can be especially challenging. Trying to maintain a healthy diet-even lose weight during the holidays can be stressful. But holiday weight gain is avoidable. One way to do that is to eat healthier foods low in fat and calories. Fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables instead of fried chicken fingers or cheese sticks. Also, don't skip meals in preparation for a holiday feast. Being famished often leads to overeating. Instead, eat a small, low-fat snack first.
Here is some advise for healthy eating during the holidays:

• Eat white-meat turkey, which has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat. A 3-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast has 119 calories and 1 gram of fat. The same amount of dark meat has 142 calories and 5 Grams of fat.
• Put gravy through a skimmer before serving and cut the calories by 80 percent. That's a substantial change: Holiday gravy that's not skimmed contains 60 to 70 calories per tablespoon. A generous helping can add as many as 500 calories to your holiday dinner.
• Don't top vegetables with butter; instead, use nonfat yogurt or low-calorie sour cream. You'll save an average of 100 calories and 10 grams of fat per tablespoon.
• Serve apple pie topped with vanilla topped with vanilla frozen yogurt instead of pecan pie topped with whipped cream. Per slice, you'll save 460 calories and 32 grams of fat.
• Pay attention to what you drink. Two mixed drinks can contain as much as 500 calories; one cup of eggnog, 380 calories.

You should also exercise regularly. Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most, if not all days of the week. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major contributors to holiday weight gain.

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UTI: Urinary Tract Infection

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

About half of women will get a urinary tract infection or UTI at some point in life. It happens when germs infect the system that carries urine out of your body -- the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more serious illness.

UTI Symptoms: Bladder Infection

Most UTIs are bladder infections. Symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• The urge to urinate often
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Urine that is cloudy or foul-smelling
• Some people may have no symptoms

UTI Symptoms: Kidney Infection

An untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys. Signs of this include:

• Pain on either side of the lower back
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

When to See Your Doctor

See your doctor right away if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency – but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.

UTI or Something Else?

Although burning during urination is a telltale sign of a UTI, it can also be a symptom of certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs.) These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Simple lab tests are available to distinguish a UTI from an STD.

Honeymoon Cystitis

Few things can ruin a honeymoon like a UTI. But this is so common, it has its own name – "honeymoon cystitis." The reason is that sexual activity can push bacteria into the urethra. Of course, the problem is not confined to honeymoons. Some women get a bladder infection almost every time they have sex. Women who use a diaphragm for birth control are especially vulnerable.

Stealth UTI

Occasionally, UTIs occur without the classic symptoms. A person may have no symptoms at all. Yet, a urine test shows the presence of bacteria. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. In many cases, no treatment is needed. But pregnant women, some children, and recipients of kidney transplants should be treated to avoid a kidney infection.

UTI Complications

The main danger associated with untreated UTIs is that the infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure. There’s also a small chance that the infection may enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs.

How Do UTIs Begin?

Many types of bacteria live in the intestines and the genital area, but this is not true of the urinary system. In fact, urine is sterile. So when errant bacteria, such as the E. coli shown here, is accidentally introduced into the urinary system, it can start a UTI. Typically, bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder, where an infection can take hold. Women are more susceptible than men, probably because they have shorter urethras.

What Boosts Your Risk?

UTIs are most common in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk include:

• Not drinking enough fluids
• Taking frequent baths
• Holding your urine
• Kidney stones

Diagnosing UTIs

The first step in diagnosing a UTI is usually a simple urine test called a urinalysis. It looks for bacteria, as well as abnormal counts of white and red blood cells. The dipstick test provides quick results. Your doctor may also send your urine to a lab for culture to confirm the type of bacteria. At-home test kits can help detect a UTI, but are not 100% accurate. Be sure to go over the results and your symptoms with your doctor.

Treating UTIs

Prescription antibiotics will almost always cure a UTI. Your health care provider may recommend drinking lots of fluids and emptying your bladder frequently to help flush out the bacteria. Kidney infections can often be treated with oral antibiotics, too. But severe kidney infections may require hospital care, including a course of intravenous antibiotics.

Treating Recurrent UTIs

Some women are prone to getting UTIs over and over again. If you have three or more a year, talk to your doctor about how to prevent or minimize these infections. Your options may include:

• Taking a low dose of antibiotics long-term
• Taking a single antibiotic dose after sex
• Taking antibiotics promptly as self-treatment when symptoms appear

UTIs and Diabetes

People with diabetes are more vulnerable to UTIs for several reasons. First, their immune systems tend to be weaker. Second, high blood sugar can spill into the urine and encourage the growth of bacteria. Also, nerve damage related to diabetes can prevent the bladder from fully emptying. People with diabetes should talk with their doctor at the first sign of a UTI.

UTIs and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are several factors that boost the risk of UTIs, especially a kidney infection. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, and the uterus may put pressure on the ureters or bladder or both -- making it more difficult for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder and out. Untreated UTIs can contribute to preterm labor, so be sure to alert your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.

UTIs and Menopause

Estrogen has a protective effect in the urinary tract, but levels of this hormone drop off significantly during menopause. Low estrogen levels can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra. For this reason, women may be more susceptible to UTIs after menopause.

UTIs in the Elderly

UTIs are among the most common infections in the elderly. But the symptoms may not follow the classic pattern. Agitation, delirium, or other behavioral changes may be the only sign of a UTI in elderly men and women. This age group is also more likely to develop serious complications as a result of UTIs.

UTIs in Infants

Babies occasionally develop UTIs, but they can’t tell you what they feel. Here are some signs to watch for:

• An unexplained fever
• Strange-smelling urine
• Poor appetite or vomiting
• Fussy behavior

It’s vital to treat a baby’s UTI quickly to prevent kidney damage. Promptly changing a dirty diaper can help prevent bladder infections. And of course, wipe from front to back whenever changing a baby's diaper.

UTIs in Children

About 1% of boys and 3% of girls develop UTIs by age 11. This includes some children who repeatedly delay a bathroom trip. Their muscles may not relax enough later to fully empty the bladder and flush away any bacteria. More regular bathroom trips and drinking plenty of liquids may help. A small number of children have a structural problem that obstructs urine flow or lets urine flow back from the bladder to the kidneys, triggering chronic kidney infections. This can lead to kidney damage.

UTI or Potty Training Problem?

Accidents are par for the course during toilet training. Even kids who have mastered the art of the potty may sometimes have a relapse. Other children may scream or cry when taken to the potty, as a way of rebelling against the process. These are generally not signs of a UTI.

Preventing UTIs

Here are several strategies to reduce your risk of UTIs:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Visit the toilet before and after sex.
• Wipe from front to back.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays.
• Take showers instead of baths.

The Cranberry Connection

Maybe Mom told you that cranberry juice cures a UTI. She’s close. Some studies suggest it can prevent, but not treat an infection, and is more effective in young and middle-aged women. Cranberries contain a substance that preventsE. coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you don’t like the taste of cranberry juice, capsules or tablets may work, too. People with a history of kidney stones should check with a doctor, first.

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