CreativeLiving Features Easy bicycle maintenance for the riding season
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Tips on how to keep your bike in tip-top shape.
You and your home: Aging gracefully together
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Taking a proactive approach to your well being is needed for your home too.
How to save time on household chores
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You’re busy! Here are some great tips to save time and keep your house in order.
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Smart gardening: Water and weed wisely Great suggestions to keep your yard looking beautiful all summer long.
Editor’s note There’s nothing quite like riding a bike to bring back fond childhood memories. Ah, the wind blowing in your face, the cares of the world flying past you – it provides a wonderful sense of freedom. I love bike riding and it’s something I’ve recently picked up again. But with this fun there comes some responsibility. Inside this issue of Creative Living we have a great article about keeping your bike maintained throughout the summer. Be sure to check it out. Also, there’s some helpful tips for the home, whether you’re a senior citizen or a busy busy mom trying to keep it all together. Enjoy this issue.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/ The Community Recorder.
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Topics 3 Health & Fitness Mind • Body • Spirit
4 Summer
Entertainment Travel
6 Local Business Goods • Services
Living 6 Senior Care • Home
10 At Home Decorating • Improvement
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Stewart c/o The Community Press/ 394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mjstewart@communitypress.com. For advertising call 687-4614.
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Snoring, sleep apnea patients rave about CPAP alternative Do you snore? Do you suffer from soundly and wake up feelsleep apnea? Have you tried CPAP ing well rested. You litWant More Info? but just can't tolerate it? At erally could have Visit cincisleep.com Cincinnati Dental Sleep Medicine, saved my life because to learn more! Dr. Kitzmiller sees patients every the CPAP machine was day with snoring and sleep apnea. not working for me. Utilizing state of the art Oral Thanks again!” – Mike R. Appliance Therapy, Dr. Kitzmiller and “Outstanding and immediate his uniquely trained team are able to results! I haven't snored once since getoffer their patients who suffer from ting my oral appliance and my apnea these disruptive and potentially lifehas improved dramatically. I haven't threatening conditions a comfortable slept without it since the day I got it. It's and effective treatment. An oral applisimple and it works!” – Jim E. ance is a customized, FDA approved “After years of struggling with a CPAP alternative that fits over your CPAP machine, I was overjoyed to find teeth and holds the lower jaw forward, an oral appliance that worked to treat keeping your airway open while you my sleep apnea. My mouth appliance is sleep. easy to use, does not restrict my A sleep apnea sufferer and oral appli- motions, and very portable when travelance patient himself, Dr. Kitzmiller ing. My husband is grateful too!” – knows first hand the effects of sleep Anne S. apnea and the benefits of his oral appliCall Dr. Kitzmiller at 248-8848 to ance. His patients are thrilled with their schedule your complimentary consultaexperience too! tion to see how Oral Appliance Therapy “I can't thank you enough for making could be an option for you too! me aware of the oral appliance (my wife thanks you even more!). For the first time in years I am sleeping quietly and
Dr. Kitzmiller and Lori help snoring and sleep apnea patients with Oral Appliance Therapy
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Easy bicycle maintenance for the riding season
Bicycle riding is a favorite pastime for all ages during the warm weather months.
A favorite pastime for all ages, bicycle riding can be even more pleasant with a few simple maintenance steps.
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Whether you have had your bike in storage or it hasn’t had a recent tune up, now is a great time to make sure your bike is in good working order. There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you have a pleasant ride. Wheels and tires – Check your tires for wear, cracks and proper inflation. Bicycle tires are no different than car tires, and should be replaced if the tread is worn or the rubber is cracked or dry-rotted. Clean between the sprockets using a rag or a proper cleaning tool. Using a dry rag, wipe down the hubs,
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cant like Royal Purple’s Maxfilm to the inside of your cable housings and all of the pivot points on your brake and shift components. Maxfilm leaves a tough and durable lubricating film for improved operation and long-lasting protection against wear, rust and corrosion. Avoid getting any oil on your brake pads, and wipe off any excess. Brakes – Check your brake pads. If they are worn beyond the indicator line, they will need to be replaced. Bolts – Make sure BICYCLE see page 5
Quality care offered at Blake and Associates physical therapy Blake and Associates is an independent physical therapy practice located on Bridgetown Road in Green Township on the first floor of a beautiful office building that is easily accessible. The colorful, cheerful decor reflects the friendly, upbeat attitude of the entire staff. The therapists of Blake and Associates have an average of 30 years experience and offer ongoing treatment by the same physical therapist whenever possible. The equipment is stateof-the-art featuring a Biodex Balance Evaluation Unit, Cold Laser Therapy, as well as other modalities and state-of-the-art matrix exercise equipment and a
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spokes, and rims on both wheels. If it’s hard to clean, use mild soapy water. Never use a hose or harsh cleaners to clean your bike. Frame – Clean the bike frame and components starting at the handle bars and work your way back. Use mild soapy water to loosen hardto-remove grime. As you’re cleaning, inspect the frame for any cracks or damage. If you see any cracks, you should take your bike to a bike shop for repair. Be sure to also inspect your brake and shift cables. Lubrication – Apply a light lubri-
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hydroergometer exercise unit. Also offered are an Osteoporosis exercise program, Yoga instruction, Mat Pilates instruction, Medical Massage by a licensed massage therapist, core stabilization exercise, and gym ball stabilization program. They also offer a step-up program for patients that have finished regular therapy but would like to keep working on the equipment. Blake and Associates was founded by Catherine (Katie) Blake in 1978. This was the first physical therapy private practice in Cincinnati. Katie passed away in 2007 but her guiding philosophy continues. The therapists of
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Blake and Associates are dedicated to providing quality health care with the personal touch that is so often missing in today’s health-care system. These physical therapists enjoy putting knowledge, sensitivity, experience and an occasional dash of humor to work for patients of all ages and physical conditions. Many patients refer their family, friends and co-workers to Blake and Associates because they respect the thorough, professional evaluation and treatment they received by a therapist who was responsive to their needs. For more information call 661-6555.
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The S.I. Pool Care family.
Improve the value of your home with S.I. Concrete/Designs Looking for an affordable way to increase the value and beauty of your home? S.I. Concrete/Designs, a division of S.I. Pool Care can help. Whether you’re looking into a new addition such as a pool deck, walkway, porch or patio or simply want to renovate your existing concrete, S.I. Concrete/Designs has the artistic ability to make your dream project a reality. “Sometimes the concrete is so deteriorated you have to tear it out and pour new concrete. We can do that for you,” explained owner Sam Ionna. “Many times, however, the basic foundation is in good shape, but the concrete is dull, chipped or cracked. In those cases we can do a simple repair, add an overlay, saving the homeowner money.” The overlay used by S.I. Concrete/Designs comes in colors so you can match your project perfectly to
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your home. The overlay can even be stamped! Concrete just isn’t for the outdoors, according to Sam. S.I. Concrete/Designs have created breathtakingly gorgeous floors and kitchen countertops. “You cam make that boring, unattractive countertop look like slate or marble,” he explained. They also offer concrete staining including a variety of colors and designs. As with S.I. Pool Care, Sam, his family and the other S.I. Concrete/Designs employees are dedicated to providing the best quality service to their customers. They will work with you to make your dream project a quality completed reality. For more information on S.I. Concrete/Designs call 859-331-4110.
BICYCLE from page 4 all of the bolts on the bike are tightened, but be careful not to over tighten. This includes your handlebars, seat, pedals and shifters. Clean the chain – One of the last items in your bike maintenance would be to clean and lubricate the chain. Clean the chain of dust and dirt with a solventsoaked rag.
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After inspecting the chain, use a chain lubricant like Royal Purple’s Max-Chain. Max-Chain is an advanced, synthetic lubricant that reduces wear and extends equipment life. It can be applied by either spraying or brushing. Once applied, the carrier evaporates leaving a long-lasting, dry, wax-like film.
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This non-tacky film minimizes the collection of dust and other airborne contaminants. Test drive – The final step in your spring bike prep is taking a test ride. Check the gears and brakes. Make adjustments if necessary and then get your helmet and enjoy the bike ride.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale at Central Plaza
Clovernook celebrates 30 years
Food, refreshments, crafts, and fun for all are in store when you join A Sweet Life and fellow Central Plaza businesses for the day on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Sweet Life will host a sidewalk sale complete with craft demonstrations, dessert samples, and a raffle. Ron Eatmon's State Farm Agency will serve up grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Crowne Travel will have cold refreshment for shoppers as well as ideas and info for cool summer getaways. A Sweet Life features the handcrafted works of over 30 local crafters in one handy location. You'll find gifts for everyone on your list including baby items, Barbie and 18” doll clothes, home décor, jewelry, custom letter art, pottery, stained glass, totes & purses, soy candles, and more.
Clovernook Health Care Pavilion is celebrating 30 years of serving the Tristate community as a long term care facility specializing in wound care and rehabilitation. The wound care at Clovernook is like no other in the region! According to Amy Mullowney, administrator: “Clovernook’s greatest asset is the employees that serve the residents who live here. You can not teach people to care and we have the most caring in the industry.” The majority of the employees that work at Clovernook have longevity of five plus years of service. Clovernook is set on six beautifully, landscaped acres and is centrally
Crafters will be on-hand all day to answer questions, make a custom design, and to demonstrate their craftsmanship skills. Need a dessert for a party, shower, or birthday? A Sweet Life has your answer! With over 25 cupcakes flavors, homemade candy, fudge, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels, your sweet tooth will be satisfied. New at the shop are 2and 3-tier handmade, decorative wood cupcake stands. These stands come with interchangeable toppers and are available for rent at your special event or for purchase. Don't miss this exciting event where you can enjoy food, friends, bargains, and support local businesses. For more info, call 741-7800. Central Plaza is on Colerain Ave., between H.H. Gregg and Outback. Make your life A Sweet Life!
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located in the middle of Hamilton County. Clovernook continually updates the building and grounds in order to stay fresh and clean looking. The facility has just renovated some resident rooms making them large, deluxe private quarters with flat screen televisions with satellite, refrigerators, sofas, and private baths. Clovernook will be recognizing their 30-year team members: Betty Christophel, STNA; Diane Harper, housekeeping and laundry director; Phyllis Radford, laundry assistant; and Cindy Hibbs, LPN. These ladies have dedicated their careers to serving the residents at Clovernook.
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Welcome to Berkeley Square Are your hearing aids ready for summer? Introducing Berkeley Square, a top-rated community that offers more than what you would expect from retirement living. Choose from a wide variety of custom homes and apartments situated within a private, scenic neighborhood. Discover how a home is not just a house at Berkeley Square - it's so much MORE.
Discover more than a home A spacious new home to call your own, a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of friendly neighbors, and acres of wooded scenery. Right away you'll notice there's definitely more to retirement at Berkeley Square.
Find an incredible value Once you experience the value of living at Berkeley Square, you'll wonder why you didn't make the move sooner. Our community offers premium amenities and a better selection of services compared to other communities.
Explore the many things to do There's something for everyone here- have dinner with friends, see a movie, take a trip, or just enjoy more free time. At Berkeley Square, it's all about getting the most out of your retirement. Call 330-6471 to schedule a personal tour at your convenience.
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Summer is here! Whether your plans include catching up with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors or taking a long-awaited vacation, make the most of your summer by taking steps to ensure that your hearing aids can take the heat. To help your devices survive summer’s heat and humidity, open the battery door at night to allow air to circulate and dry out excess moisture; avoid leaving aids in direct sunlight or closed areas like glove compartments; remove sweat with a tissue after outdoor activities; and consider purchasing a hearing aid dehumidifier. Hearing aids also last longer when they are
serviced regularly, and the professionals at Christopherson & Clark Hearing Center are available to provide personalized, state-of-the-art care for your hearing health and your hearing aids. If it has been more than six months since your hearing devices were checked by a hearing professional, you have noticed an increased difficulty understanding even with your hearing devices, you are plagued by feedback or whistling from your hearing devices, or your hearing devices are more than five years old, it is time to schedule an appointment. Sharon Christopherson, owner/audiologist at Christopherson & Clark
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Hearing Center, has more than 30 years of experience in providing professional and thoughtful hearing care and has earned her patients’ confidence in understanding their individual needs. Sharon and her associate, Amy Smith, would welcome the opportunity to serve you, too. Whether you currently wear hearing aids or think you or someone you know may benefit from a hearing consultation, summer is the perfect time to make hearing health a priority. Call 5989444 today to schedule a hearing check-up or for a free copy of our “Tips for Improving Communication.”
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Cedar Village retirement community adds cardiologist to staff Cedar Village Retirement Community is pleased to announce the addition of Cardiology services to its campus. Cedar Village has provided a wide variety of specialty services to its residents, including audiology, optometry, ophthalmology, dentistry, podiatry and dermatology. In 2010, orthopedics became a part of the regular Cedar Village Clinic and, as of June 3, 2011, Cedar Village became the first retirement community in the area to have on-site Cardiology services. John Szawaluk, MD, now practices at Cedar Village on a regular schedule. Dr. Szawaluk completed his medical degree at Georgetown University, his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. A non-invasive cardiologist, Dr. Szawaluk has particular expertise in stress testing, vascular testing, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He will work with residents from all areas within Cedar Village, from independent living through long term care. “We are delighted to have Dr. Szawaluk joining us,” said Cedar Village’s CEO and President, Carol Silver Elliott. “Bringing more services to our campus makes life easier for our residents and enhances the quality of medical care available. This is also a great benefit as we expand our rehabilitation services
for the future.” Cedar Village is in the midst of a major rehabilitation service expansion, developing significantly expanded, state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient therapy space and updated patient care areas for short term rehabilitation. The new therapy area will open in early July and the overall project will be completed in the fall. The new inpatient therapy area will become the centerpiece of Cedar Village’s first floor, complete with all of the latest in state-of-the-art therapy equipment. Adjoining that will be an outpatient therapy suite which will allow discharged patients to continue their progress with the same therapy team they have come to know and trust. “I am truly excited about the opportunity to provide advanced cardiovascular care to the Cedar Village community,” said Dr. Szawaluk. “The Ohio Heart and Vascular Center and Cedar Village share missions and goals focused on providing the highest quality healthcare to our community. It is my pleasure to be involved in this partnership that supports this mission while serving the cardiovascular needs of Cedar Village residents.” Cedar Village is a not-for-profit retirement community, located in Mason, Ohio. Formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar Village opened its doors in March 1997.
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You and your home: Aging gracefully together The same principles of aging gracefully – taking a proactive approach to your future well-being – are true for your home.
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Aging gracefully is all about taking a proactive approach to your future well-being – you anticipate the inevitable changes and do what’s necessary to stay healthy and fit. The same principles are true for your home. You need to assess the necessary changes that must be made around your home to keep it fit, and you safe, so you and your home can successfully age together. Helping your home age gracefully doesn’t mean adding industriallooking apparatuses
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throughout the house. In fact, with Lowe’s Accessible Home program, you’ll never have to sacrifice style for function. Plus, if you do these projects proactively, you’ll save money in the long run. Julie Sussman and Stephanie GlakasTenet, authors of the national best-selling “Dare to Repair” series of books, have teamed with Lowe’s to provide you with some can-do projects to make your home more accessible for everyday living. • Safety in a shower/tub – A handheld shower unit is a perfect solution for anyone who has to sit while showering. Use a plumber’s wrench or an adjustable wrench to remove the old shower head; if difficult to remove, apply lubricating spray. Remove any residue from threads on shower arm. Apply Teflon tape to threads, wrapping it counterclockwise, three or four times. Place hose of new shower unit onto end of shower arm, turning it clockwise. Insert hand shower into the shower arm HOME see page 12
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examples of how you can save time around the house.
How to save time on your household chores
Laundry If you’re like most folks, you probably consider laundry to be one of the most time-consuming household chores – 66 percent of adults said doing laundry is a major time
ogy that provides additional energy savings and advanced cleaning options. One convenient washing option includes a speed cycle that quickly washes slightly dirty clothes in 15 minutes. In addition, these washers are Energy Star qualified, using 50 percent less water and are up to 86 percent more efficient than
ance, be sure to look for true steam, not washers and dryers that just inject cold water spray mist into the cycle.
Vacuuming Vacuuming can either be something that saves time or causes more headaches depending on how you use your vacuum cleaner. Be sure to use the right attachments for best results. Also, be sure you maintain it properly to keep it functioning well. Always make sure your filters are clean and dust collector is empty.
General cleaning tips Here are a few general rules to follow when cleaning: • Clean top to bottom. Obeying the laws of gravity is the key to avoiding cleaning in circles. • Clean as you go. When cooking, soak dishes immediately after use to prevent more work later.
Experts say you can at save time doing your household chores by modifying your habits so you can work more efficiently.
• Keep cleaners in your shower so you can clean yourself and your shower at the same time. Since merely ignoring your duties is not an option, experts say you can at least save time by modifying your habits so you can work more efficiently. By working smarter, and sometimes, purchasing the right equipment, you can cut into the time you spend cleaning and devote more time to doing things you love. Here are a few
Until it’s affordable for everyone to get a robot maid, household chores aren’t going away.
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drain in a nationwide poll conducted for LG Electronics. So what better place to start when looking to become more efficient? One of the best laundry tips is to make sure you are doing full loads, reducing the number of total loads you will have to do – and helping you save money and energy. If you are in the market for a new washer and dryer, ultra-large capacity is definitely something to consider. Some of the most popular ultra-capacity washers use steam technol-
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average washing machines, even with their larger capacity. To prevent wrinkling and the subsequent need for ironing, retrieve and fold clothes immediately when they are dry. Ending drying sessions with a cooldown session can also prevent wrinkles. Today’s best-performing advanced clothes dryers include a steam generator, which produces true steam that is added to drying cycles to help remove wrinkles. For the best perform-
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• Stick to a schedule. Don’t stress out about missing certain items when things get busy; having a plan is the easiest way to organize tasks so you don’t feel pressure to get everything done at once. And if you’re the one doing all the cleaning, don’t be afraid to delegate some tasks to other members of the family. If everyone can take care of the things they are particularly good at, all of you can enjoy more free time.
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• Soil to build on - Amend before planting and improve growth and moisture control by mixing in a layer of rich compost. This increases the water holding ability and water absorption of your soil. Also, using a large pot helps keep plants from becoming root-bound quickly and thirsting for water. The more room plants have to grow, the less watering needed.
Part of the joy in planting beautiful flower beds and produce gardens each summer is in daydreaming about the outcome. Summer garden daydreams involve the anticipation of the blooming daisies, the splash of color added by waves of petunias, biting into juicy tomatoes and cooking up crisp green peppers or yellow squash. Gardening dreams and plans, however, don't generally include hours of watering, wilted plants or those pesky weeds. These unwanted guests aren't just unattractive, but can also rob flowers and vegetables of water, nutrients and sunlight, therefore restricting the growth of prized plants. Watering and controlling weeds in your containers and gardens need not be time-consuming or difficult. Practicing smart weed control and wise watering measures should be a simple part of garden care and can be easily incorporated into routines.
• Mulch is a must - A two or three inch layer of mulch on the garden will break down over time and add to the nutritional make-up of soil. Layering a hardwood mulch in flower beds or container gardens will accomplish three goals: helping to prevent weeds from getting established; giving beds and containers a finished look and holding moisture in the soil. • Water wisely - Gardens and containers do require watering to thrive when rainfall is insufficient or infrequent, but a few watering tips can conserve time, water and help make the most of the rainfall that Mother Nature does provide. To maximize the effectiveness of watering, take care to water deeply by wetting soil thoroughly. Use a moisture meter to ensure that roots have received enough moisture. Make watering a regular routine, aiming at the base of the plant. To water effectively, do it: • After planting • Before leaves wilt • In the morning • Spot treatment - Don't get carried away with weeds - it is not easy to catch every weed before it pops up. For only a handful of weeds, simply use a spot treatment or dig the culprit out. Few gardeners enjoy pulling weeds or constant watering, so taking the measures to prevent weeds and make the most of watering early in the summer growing season is a great way to avoid backbreaking work later on. Soon your dreams will become reality as you enjoy fresh cut flowers on your kitchen table and corn on the cob dripping with butter on your dinner plate.
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HOME from page 9 mount, rotating it to desired spot. Use adjustable wrench to tighten. Handheld shower units now come in a variety of finishes and sizes sure to spruce up anyone’s shower. • Getting a better handle on knobs – For anyone who suffers from arthritis, a lever handle is much easier on the joints than a knob. Plus, lever handles can dress up the plainest of doors. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the old doorknob. Insert stems of exterior lever horizontally into the holes in the latch case. Place interior lever on the protruding spindle, aligning stems with screw holes. Insert screws and tighten with screwdriver. • Avoiding slips – If you can’t bear the sight of a bare floor and don’t want to remove the beautiful rugs in your home, you must properly secure all of them. All rugs, including doormats, should be secured to the floor with non-skid tape. First, make sure floor surface is clean and dry. Attach tape to underside of rug, flip it over and adhere to floor. Don’t forget the bathroom rug. • Preventing falls – A stair handrail is designed to aid in ascending and descending stairs. But, why stop at having only one handrail per stairway? Make each stairway more symmetrical and safe by having a second one installed. Also, be sure to check all handrails in the home for any that wiggle. Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws. Make sure there is adequate lighting at the top and bottom of each staircase. Lowe’s has a vast variety of lighting in stock to fit all your needs.
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• Providing stability – Today’s shower grab bar is not your father’s (or hospital’s) grab bar. The choices in style, size, color and installation will make you wonder why you waited this long to have one. To install a grab bar, you’ll need a drill, the proper drill bits and the right grab bar. It’s easy to install, just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions completely. For more information about available products and services visit www.lowes.com/AccessibleHome. Follow Dare to Repair at www.daretorepair.com, Facebook and Twitter.
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