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The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggests homeowners this winter might notice an increase in rodent activity due to the forecasted wet weather conditions this season.  

Cindy Mannes, Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA said, “Although it may seem like pest activity dies down during the fall and winter, homeowners need to be on the lookout for signs of stealthy rodents like mice and rats, and take preventative measures to avoid encounters. Mice and rats can spread dangerous diseases, contaminate food, trigger allergy symptoms, and even bring fleas, ticks, and lice into homes. Rodents are also known to damage properties by chewing through drywall insulation, electrical wires, and even car wiring. Don’t forget to look under the hood!” 

Be on the lookout for these twelve signs of rodent activity: 

1. Gnaw Marks: Rodents love to chew…through almost anything. They can seriously damage plastic and lead pipes, wires, wood, cardboard, baseboards, and more. Their constant chewing can spark water leaks, fires, and more. 

2. Droppings: Easy to identify, and one of the most common signs of an infestation is rodent feces. Small pellets are often left behind where food is stored or where nesting material is tucked away. Look in pantries, cabinets, cardboard boxes, baseboards, and wall beams. When cleaning rodent droppings, always wear gloves and a mask. 

3. Noises: If you hear scratching, gnawing noises, scampering, or the rolling sound of round objects such as nuts or seeds, these are telltale signs of a rodent within the walls, attic, or ceiling.

4. Marks: Also known as rub tracks or grease marks, rodents usually leave dark dirt (grease) marks along walls, floorboards, and in and out of small entry or exit holes. This grime is left behind from the rodent’s oily fur. Keep an eye out for tiny rodent footprints in areas with a large amount of dust or surfaces they can easily run across, such as beams. 
5. Car Alarm: If your car alarm is activated either in the garage while locked or shortly after you drive away from home (while parked), check under your vehicle’s hood for any signs of rodents. These pests like to nest in the fabric protecting the battery or chew wires throughout the hood. 

6. Nests: House mice really enjoy constructing their nests with shredded paper products, packing materials, insulation, fabrics, cotton, and such. Obvious signs of nesting include small rips of paper appearing seemingly out of nowhere. 

7. Food storage: Rodents tend to stockpile food for the winter, and anything goes. Food such as dog or cat kibble, nuts, seeds, etc., found in piles in an unusual area, such as an inconspicuous drawer or cabinet, are surefire ways to confirm rodents are in the house. 

8. Rodent Spotting: If you see a rodent of any kind in your house (or even outside near your home, for that matter), chances are, there are more. Female house mice can give birth to half a dozen babies every three weeks, which adds up to roughly 35 mice per year. 

9. Allergies: A sudden onslaught of strange allergic reactions might actually be caused by rodent fur, dander, or droppings. A pest-free home can help reduce allergies. 

10. Holes: Check the perimeter of your house for tiny holes; these are usually the entry and exit points for rodents. Rodents can fit through openings as small as a dime.

11. Odor: Rodents stink, and the musky odor can linger if not handled properly. Dead rodents are especially pungent, so if you smell something rotting, there is probably more than one.

12. Strange Pet Behavior: If you have other pets, such as a dog or cat, who are acting unusual in a specific area of the home, it could be due to rodents. 

If you suspect you have rodents in your home or business, contact the experts at Northern Pest asap! Don’t hesitate to call; we can help clear your infestation safely, effectively, and professionally.

Our family is serving yours! At Northern Pest, we are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all! Call or e-mail us today. 

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

The bands of connective tissue that join your bones, joints, and organs are called ligaments. There are over 900 ligaments in your body. Some of their purposes include: 

• Facilitating proper joint movement
• Preventing twisting joints
• Ensuring bones stay intact
• Minimize dislocating bones
• Creating stabilized muscles and joints
• Increasing joint strength

Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC Wrist) affects the wrist and occurs when damage or a tear to the scapholunate ligament results in pain or arthritis. SLAC Wrist can result from overworking or force on the wrist, such as falling onto an outstretched hand. 

The most common symptoms of SLAC Wrist are: 

• Inability to put weight on your wrist 
• Painful sensation
• Weak grip 
• Low range of motion 
• Stiffness 
• Tenderness

If a SLAC Wrist is not immediately treated, arthritis can eventually form in the joint. Symptoms of arthritis might also include swelling, bone spurs, grinding, popping, or cracking. 

Treatments for SLAC Wrist include: 

• Anti-inflammatory medication 
• Cortisone injection
• Identifying and stopping all aggravating activity
• Physical therapy
• Surgical options such as SLAC reconstruction or total wrist arthrodesis

SLAC Wrist can be debilitating yet treatable. Physical therapy might be recommended following surgery if required. 

Do you think SLAC Wrist affects you or someone in your family? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist to learn how we can help provide relief. 

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/

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, affecting approximately 7.8 million women in the past seven years. Current 3D breast cancer treatment focuses on treatment, tissue regeneration, and physical recovery. From prosthetics to drug-loaded implants, challenges persist. With a novel 4D technology, complexity and customization combine to improve breast cancer management. 

Generally, 3D treatments are well-established due to many advantages, such as rapid prototyping, ease of accessibility, structural control, and cost-effectiveness. It also requires low energy, so from an environmental perspective, 3D treatments are eco-friendly, reduce waste production, and do not involve chemicals. There are some hurdles when it comes to 3D treatments, however. Some of these include build size, post-processing, and lack of regulation. 

When it comes to revolutionizing the standard treatment for breast cancer, 3D printing has shown a significant impact when it comes to diagnosis, treatment, and aesthetic outcomes. 

To help surgeons plan and make decisions, breast and tumor prototypes are used for diagnostic tasks, surgery training, preoperative planning, treatment optimization, and drug screening. These prosthetic models mimic patient anatomy. The 3D models, from a practical perspective, were created to localize tumors and provide physical models for resection guidance. 

With 4D treatments, the advantages and disadvantages of 3D technology are present, but 4D can offer a higher level of complexity and customization features. Combined with programmed functionalities, the dynamic abilities of 4D treatments are advantageous for breast cancer treatment. 

Some challenges of 4D treatment include material availability, technical aspects, and the design process. New materials and improved biocompatibility should be the primary focus when it comes to printability. 

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/ 

A building’s electrical system is a complex and critical infrastructure few know much about. Most people take advantage of flipping a switch and receiving automated light or functionality from a machine without much consideration of how it occurs. This blog introduces a few major products that make it all possible: panelboards, switchboards, and switchgear.  

Panelboards

Panelboards are usually found in commercial buildings due to their large size and the amount of power they can handle. They are designed for single-phase or three-phase applications, depending on your needs. The primary function of a panelboard is to distribute power from the source to other devices in your building or facility through breakers designed for specific voltages ranging from 120 to 600 volts or higher, depending on your location. They are the most common circuit breaker box type and are always mounted to a wall. They are used to distribute power to an entire building or other areas. Panelboard covers protect these devices from damage by keeping them dry and clean while providing easy access for maintenance and repair.

Switchboards

Switchboards are typically used where a large amount of equipment requires a lot of power to operate. These devices are designed to control the flow of electricity through multiple breakers without manually closing each one after every use. Like panelboards, switchboards are usually rated for up to 600 volts, but they can manage higher currents, up to 5,000 amps. Switchboards are floor mounted and covered with a panel to provide protection and easy access for maintenance and repair.

Switchgear

Switchgears are used on larger projects, such as factories or warehouses, where there is a need for more than one circuit breaker or fuse within a single enclosure due to increased demand for power or space limitations. This type of equipment is also used in residential homes to automatically shut down the electrical system in the event of a short circuit or other malfunction. Switchgear is for individual components and is the largest of the three. It can be rated for up to 38 kV and run a current of up to 6,000 amps.

Overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) are devices that send power from the source to the end user. These are sometimes simple devices like light bulbs, or sometimes they’re massive systems that run entire buildings. The three main options for organizing, housing, and utilizing OCPDs are panelboards, switchboards, and switchgear. All three allow for easy access to your power needs in one way or another, but each has its pros and cons that you should consider.

At J&P Electric, we specialize in large industrial electrical equipment, from new surplus to hard to find/reconditioned to like new. Not sure we have what you need? Call us and find out!

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

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

According to a report released by Technavio, ready-to-eat meals (specifically focused on emergencies) are expected to grow by $2.88 billion from 2021 to 2026 at a rate of 7.23 percent. 

The report segments the emergency food market by product type, distribution channel, and geography. Some product types include ready-to-eat meals, non-perishable pasteurized milk, infant food, dried food, and more. How these product types perform will be explored worldwide, both online and offline. 

The largest contributor to the skyrocketing marketing growth is the ready-to-eat sector, powered by pre-cooked, pre-cleaned, and packaged food for consumers. The increasing number of working women, the growing Millennial community, quick consumption habits, and hectic work schedules all contribute to the expanding segment.

Maximum growth will be especially seen throughout Northern America, which is anticipated to contribute up to 31 percent of the global market growth, thanks to the United States. 

Vendors are strategically analyzing the difference between organic and inorganic strategies, as the market is fragmented. 

The emergency food market is experiencing stagnation as a result of the growth of the organized retail sector. As consumers can effortlessly choose from a wide range of ready-to-eat products, an increase in the number of retailers is predicted to raise market growth during the forecast period. 

Though the emergency food market is expected to grow significantly, there is at least one challenge: the requirement to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. Several food safety organizations throughout the world, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), set regulations that can be laborious for the emergency food market. Overcoming these hurdles and abiding by the law is essential, as consumers are swiftly made aware of incompliance or deviation. 

These factors and more will affect the growth of the ready-to-eat market during the forecast period. 

Are you looking for emergency food for you and your family? Check out our wide selection of delicious freeze-dried and ready-to-eat meals today. 

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/ 

The Wahkiakum school district in southwest Washington argues that the levying system leaves rural school children with crumbling, outdated buildings. The small community of about 2,000 residents has appealed to the states Supreme Court and is waiting for the attorney general’s office to respond.

In 2012, the state Supreme Court favored the McLeary case, in which Washington state was found to be underfunding K-12 schools. After years of litigation, the state’s highest court ruled that Washington needed to pay nearly $2 billion to fund teacher salaries rather than rely on local levies.

Today, the same argument is applied to school bonds. School bonds provide funding for building new schools, attaining property, and renovating and repairing facilities and systems within buildings. In contrast, levy dollars pay for educational programs and day-to-day operations such as teachers, support staff, classroom supplies, technology, extracurricular activities, transportation, utilities, and insurance. 

Washington School Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, thinks the way schools are funded needs to change. Bigger, wealthier school districts usually don’t have difficulty in passing a bond vote as school construction bonds in property-rich communities cost minimally on every $1,000 of assessed property value for each taxpayer. However, in rural areas with less valuable property, bonds are much more expensive for individual households, making them harder to pass.

Reykdal further explains that without bond approval, districts can’t qualify for state match funding. Like most other states throughout the U.S., school districts are initially funded by property taxes based on the local tax base. Constituents vote on the applied tax rate, and the money ultimately comes in levies. That money is then supplemented by state aid.

Experts said that property tax has historically been used for school budgets because they are stable and less likely to fluctuate with the economy, unlike other revenue, like income and sales taxes. Additionally, voters usually like holding local control over neighborhood institutions.

Washington is not the only state suffering from an unbalanced levying and construction bonding system. While every state varies within its specific guidelines for school funding, more than half of states have per-pupil funding levels below the national average. Sometimes, even within the same district, students face a disparity.

Luckily, a lot of attention is being drawn to closing America’s education disparity gaps. The Century Foundation (TCF) has created a report that estimates what is needed to provide each child in America the opportunity to succeed.

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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/

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are two Internet browsers that use extended spellcheck features to transmit form data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and passwords to their parent companies. 

While this feature is intended to assist the browser user, it does raise privacy concerns and calls the efficacy of password protection to question.  

“Spell-jacking” is the term used to describe the process of a browser sending PII from spellcheck to Google, Microsoft, and the like. Transmitted PII form data can include Social Security Numbers, Social Insurance Numbers, personal names, addresses, e-mails, dates of birth, contact information, bank information, and so much more. 

Josh Summit, co-founder and CTO of JavaScript security firm otto-js, unearthed this issue while testing script behaviors for his company. When Google Chrome Enhanced Spellcheck or Microsoft Edge Editor is enabled, nearly everything you type in form fields is instantaneously transmitted to Google and Microsoft. Clicking on “show password” can spell-jack your data. 

Summit stated, “Some of the largest websites in the world have exposure to sending Google and Microsoft sensitive user PII, including username, e-mail, and passwords, when users are logging in or filling out forms. An even more significant concern for companies is the exposure this presents to the company’s enterprise credentials to internal assets like databases and cloud infrastructure.” 

Though the transmission of form fields is securely sent through HTTPS, what happens to the user data after it reaches Google’s server, for example, is not exactly clear. Some companies have mitigated the issue by adding ‘spellcheck=false’ to all input fields; however, this could cause problems for users who can no longer use the spellcheck feature. 

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users can turn off spellcheck (or remove Edge’s Editor add-on) until the companies revise their code to exclude passwords and other PII from sensitive fields. 

Do you need assistance with adding or removing spellcheck from your browser? Has your data already been compromised? Contact the computer experts at CPS today – we can assist!  

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/

Don’t be fooled by the technology surrounding us – marketing still matters. Businesses of all sizes can use tried-and-true tactics to attract new customers, lock in brand awareness, create notoriety, and much more. Read on to discover some creative ways to increase your company’s visibility. 

Be A Sponsor
Call your city council or community center to learn about future events, and then offer to sponsor them. Look for children’s sports teams, canned food drives for humans or pets, trade shows, grocery store carts, etc. 

Give Away Branded Merchandise
One of the most effortless ways to help get your business’ name and logo in the public eye is to give away items with your logo on it. Consider getting banners, signs, flyers, postcards, and other handheld materials for your clients. 

Socialize
Social media is a must for all companies trying to reel in more customers. According to Fundera, 74 percent of consumers rely on social media to sway their purchases. 

Sweepstakes
Remember the good ol’ buzz-creating sweepstakes of yesteryear? They still exist; only now, they mainly run through social media. Offer a special item (tablet, gift card, expensive coffee machine, headphones, etc.) as a prize, and watch the entries come in. 

Establish Loyalty
Implementing referral discounts on products or services can help promote exclusivity. Build a refer-a-friend program, offer special codes, add incentives, etc. Publish these on social media or send a physical postcard blast throughout neighborhoods to hook potential clients.  

After brainstorming some marketing strategies, create a plan while staying true to your brand. Choose the techniques that make the most sense for your business and can really showcase your brand. Marketing is an ever-evolving strategy; trust the process and be as creative as possible.

Econo Print is your one-stop shop for marketing materials. We’ve got you covered whether you want to print a postcard, yard sign, banner, invitation, label, or more. Contact us today to learn more.

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At Econo Print, we strive to deliver the highest-quality printed products possible. We produce top-rated goods in a timely fashion at a competitive price. Listening to our clients and helping them achieve their business goals is our top priority. We are proud of the strong roots we’ve built in the community and pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology. Our products, commitment to service, and level of expertise exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help launch your business to the next level.

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

Many people assume they have to stay on Medicare once they are a member, which isn’t always the case. Government rules state that those 65 or older need to either be on Medicare or have an employer plan that meets Medicare guidelines. To avoid penalties, it’s crucial to have at least one type of insurance coverage.

If a new employer offers insurance that meets the Medicare-specific rules, the employee can unenroll from Medicare Part A and Part B. In this case, there’s no issue with going in-and-out of Medicare. Without re-enrolling in Medicare, an employee can end up paying for both plans.

If you are over 65 and losing your job, when you leave the company, your employer is required to fill out a form confirming you have been on that plan since you were at least 65. That form is helpful for enrolling in Medicare; they will give you a period where you are eligible to join Medicare after reaching 65.

Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), workers and their families who lose health benefits have the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan. For limited periods and with specific limitations (job loss, reduction in work hours, job transition, death, divorce, etc.), qualified individuals might be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 100 percent of the cost of the plan.

COBRA might be beneficial in a pinch, but overall, it could be a more expensive proposition. Typically, employers foot some or much of the monthly premiums; without an employer, you’ll be paying in full. Also, COBRA coverage doesn’t count as qualifying insurance instead of Medicare.

The different parts of Medicare play a critical role in creating the most tailored plan to suit your needs. Have a backup plan to pay for the things that won’t be covered under Medicare, such as dental work and routine hearing or vision care, long-term care, cosmetic procedures, or medical care overseas.

Medigap – a supplemental policy – is typically paired with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. These are standardized regardless of which insurance company sells them. Depending on where you live, the premiums can vary among locations.

To learn more or consult with a representative about Medicare, contact the experts at 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 flippant decision. It requires annual revisiting and re-evaluating in order for the member to retain the most cost-effective plan. 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.

The United States Food and Drug Administration recently authorized a novel product that recent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows might protect athletes’ brains from traumatic injury.

A c-shaped, non-invasive device dubbed the “Q-Collar” goes around the neck and applies compression, which increases blood volume, therefore reducing brain movement.  

Several FDA studies proved the effectiveness and safety. One such study included a long-term analysis of 284 participants, age 13 and older. A total of 139 athletes wore the collars, and 145 did not; both underwent head MRI before and after the season.

To compare structural changes after a season of play, researchers also generated diffusion tensor imaging of the brain. Significant differences were noted in the deep tissue involved in transmitting electrical nerve signals in 73 percent of the collarless group. Those who were equipped with the Q-Collar showed no change in white matter throughout 77 percent of the group.

“These differences appear to indicate protection of the brain associated with the device use. No significant adverse events were associated with device use,” The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health reported.

An estimated 3.8 million sports-related traumatic brain injuries occur in the United States yearly, according to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Along with the Q-Collar manufacturer Q30 Sports Science, FDA officials hope the device will lower this number, reducing “slosh” by creating a tighter fit of the brain in the skull through increased blood volume.

The Q-Collar should not be used in place of helmets or other protective devices. Athletes with a history of seizure disorders, brain blood clots, or problems with blood clotting, in general, should not use the device.

For more information, read the full FDA report.

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.

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