A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE HIGH POINT ENTERPRISE, THOMASVILLE TIMES & ARCHDALE-TRINITY NEWS
HOW TO
CHOOSE THE PERFECT MATTRESS hen you find yourself tossing around on your bed, wishing that you can just turn off yourself like you turn off your computer, then using a new mattress can be one of the solutions. Using a nice and comfortable mattress will definitely help you to sleep well and rest better so that you can have the energy you need for the next day. It’s important to know how to choose the best mattress so that you can have a good night’s sleep every day.
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Here are some factors to consider when choosing a new mattress: Size of the mattress. The size of mattress will greatly depend on the person who is using it. If you are single, you might just need a Twin Mattress or a Full Size mattress. For a couple, you’ll want at least a Queen Size mattress to be comfy. If you want more of a personal space when sleeping, you might want a king size or California King Size mattress.
Another factor is the size of your room and the amount of space allocated for the bed. A King Size is 78” x 80” and can be too large for some room. Do you have enough spaces? If you are unsure, it’s wise to take a measure beforehand.
the wide range of selection and you can just focus on the best quality mattress that you can get on that price. You definitely don’t have to pay an arm & a leg to get a good mattress.
Firmness. Once you are certain of the size of mattress that you want, the next thing you should consider when choosing a mattress is the firmness of the bed. The ideal bed would be the one that allow your body to maintain a natural position and flow but still give you comfort when you are sleeping. Like Goldilox, sometimes it’s best to pick the mattress that is not too firm and not too soft, but somewhere in the middle: just right.
Warranty. All branded mattress typically comes with warranty. Some goes as far as 10 year warranty. However, there may be terms and conditions applied to claim the warranty, such as the way you should treat your bed or the condition of the bed when returned. Try to find all of the warranty details before purchasing. Finding the perfect mattress isn’t that hard. Just take your time. Don’t rush through the purchasing process. There are various types of mattresses (water, futon, innerspring, air, foam). Just decide on the type and size of a bed you want, and the price range that you can afford. Now you know on how to choose a mattress, go and find yourself the perfect mattress for your good night sleep at Gordon’s Furniture or New Bargain Furniture.
Price. The next factor would be how much you are willing to pay for the new mattress. Price is one of the major determining factors for most of us. Think about the price range you’re willing to pay before you go shopping so you won’t get confused on
YOUR MATTRESS IS PROBABLY A BREEDING GROUND FOR DUST MITES Like it or not, no matter how clean you think your house is, you live in invisible filth. Eighty per cent of house dust is made of dead, human skin. We shed 5-10 grams a week and this is what dust mites like best for dinner. The average house will be home to 100,000 to 10 million of the little monsters.
You can’t see them; they’re translucent and only about 0.3mm long. Most people don’t even know they share their home with dust mites, but their existence is evident is you have asthma, eczema or allergies due to the enzymes in the mite droppings. The good news is you won’t have
to call in the pest controllers; the bad news is you’ll never get rid of them completely, no matter how much you clean your house. There are ways to control dust mites by simply reducing the dust they like to eat. They love bedding; a two year old pillow is full of dust and will be made up
of 10% dead mites and their droppings, so start by getting new ones. Vacuum your bed regularly, you might think it sounds bonkers but it helps! Wash your bed linen on the hottest temperature allowed and air duvets and pillows regularly. Dust mites love moisture but hate air and light.
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HOW TO
HIRE A HEATING & AIR COMPANY 1. Experience and Years in Business - With 20% of heating and air conditioning companies going out of business each and every year, they are the #1 most failed business in America. An established company that has been operating in your area for years shows that it takes customer satisfaction very seriously. Years of applied experience also means that the heating and air provider understands the unique HVAC needs of particular regions such as the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, as well as the challenges that certain environments possess. 2. Licensed and Insured - Your home is most likely your single most valuable investment. You will want to make sure that any company you trust to perform major work on it should have all appropriate state and local licenses, as well as general liability insurance of at least 1 million. North Carolina Insurance and licensing investments by your heating and cooling provider show respect for your single largest investment. 3.Consumer and Peer Reviews - Look for consumer and peers reviews of the company at online platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Angie’s List. Nothing provides better insight to how a company will treat you than testimonials about how they treated others. 4. Accreditations and Certifications - Most industries have associations, accreditations, and certifications such as NATE - the North American Technical Excellence for Heating and Cooling Professionals, that signify that the heating and air provider is staying current with the newest training, products, techniques, and technology. 5. Professional Behavior, Training, & Appearance - Reputable heating and air conditioning providers understand that their employees are an extension of their organization. Commitment to training certification in both their profession as well as their conduct shows a deep respect for customers and their property. Employee
screening such as background, legal status, and drug testing is also important for any person who is going to be trusted to enter your home. Subcontractors should be kept to a minimum to ensure responsibility is always on the primary company providing the products or services. Finally, a clean and neat appearance of both the technician as well as their service van signals a commitment to professionalism and respect for your home. 6. Emergency Service and Flexible Scheduling - Heating and Air Conditioning Systems often go down in at times when demand is highest, such as weekends where more people are at home, and when temperatures are the most extreme. In such cases, you want a heating and air provider who provides emergency service Twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. If your needs are not immediate, you want a company that can work with your schedule to make a service call, and not require you wait around for large blocks of time when you have other important things to do. This shows that they respect your time. 7. Written Documentation, Warranty Support, and Satisfaction Guarantee - Your HVAC provider should provide all proposals, contracts, service records, and invoices in a formal written format. Their willingness to “go on record,” shows that they stand behind their word and want you to have it in writing. Professional heating and air companies should assist the homeowner in fully understanding what is covered in their product or service warranty, as well as actually registering the warranty on their behalf. This shows that they see themselves as a partner in the performance of your new system. Finally, a company that demonstrates confidence in its work by offering a 100% Satisfaction
Guarantee shows that it will be around to back up that promise. 8. Fair and Consistent Pricing - No homeowner likes to be shocked or surprised at an invoice or repair charge. That is why reputable heating and air companies clearly explain fees before work is to be done, and use industry standards from a flat rate book. To prevent inconvenient wait times, service vans should be well stocked with the most often needed parts and tools. 9. Flexible Payment Options - People like to pay for things different ways. A reputable HVAC company should offer homeowners various ways to pay for service calls such as accepting major credit cards, personal checks, and even cash. For large expenditures such as equipment and service agreements, financing should also be available. 10. Local Advertising Presence - Companies that invest in local advertising such as web sites, yellow page ads, print advertising, television commercials, etc. show that they expect to be operating in the market for years to come. This also shows an effort to make availability and contact convenient and easy for current and future customers.
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HOW TO
DEAL WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
C
heck Engine Light – Why is it on? The check engine light is the most misunderstood light on the dash of your vehicle. That yellow picture of an engine or words “service engine soon” does not mean you have to pull over and cut your car off when it comes on. That is reserved for the “red” indicator lights. Remember “yellow” lights generally mean caution. “Red” lights mean stop. The check engine light most commonly means your engine is not operating efficiently, whether it involves something simple like a loose gas cap or more involved like a sensor, that’s where diagnosing can be difficult. There are hundreds of different codes that can be obtained by anyone, however the codes retrieved and their correlating systems don’t always tell the whole story. Parts supply stores and other maintenance shops can retrieve the codes but usually a qualified technician will be needed to get to the root of the malfunction. Many people waste money on parts not needed. As a repair shop, our recommendation is NEVER push aside the importance of the mysterious light. Whenever your engine is not efficient, it usually means it is not burning all the fuel it is designed to burn. This means your gas mileage is not as good as it could be. Your are spending more money at the
pump. Your car is probably doing more damage to other more costly components. Ignoring the check engine light over time causes a domino effect and if put off too long, begins a difficult process to repair the root cause. You must start at the last component and proceed to each problem as they are uncovered. This also may result in many additional trips to the shop. Bottomline, do not procrastinate. Especially in states where an emission test is required for your vehicle inspection. This will delay getting your registration renewed in many states, as in North Carolina. In repair shops we see numerous vehicles with the check engine light misdiagnosed and expensive repairs being performed by unqualified individuals. Second opinions on these repairs are also recommended, preferably by a shop with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) technicians. This is money well spent because some of the components replaced by just going on the codes retrieved could also be caused by wiring problems and vacuum leaks, which are usually less costly to repair.
In regards to systems involved with the check engine light, the most common are the evaporative emission, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), oxygen sensors and catalytic converter. My automotive repair shop constantly educates the consumer that codes from these systems
do not necessarily mean a part has failed. The catalytic converter for example is built to last the life of the vehicle. If it fails, it is always due to another component not doing its job and allowing the converter to be exposed to elements out of the ordinary. The most common reason for the converter to fail is lack of maintenance to the engine (i.e. spark plugs, fuel injector service and oxygen sensors.) These items are critical to the engine burning all the fuel and being efficient. When that doesn’t happen, the unburned fuel goes to the converter where it combusts and melts the interior, causing it to fail. Very expensive repairs can be avoided by getting the check engine light checked when it first comes on along with doing routine maintenance before there is a problem. Many times the check engine light will come on then go off. When this occurs, many times the computer saves the code associated with the illumination in its memory where a qualified tech with the proper equipment can retrieve the code and start diagnosing the problem. As vehicles evolve, so does the equipment and people who work on them. We learn more every day and see more problems that in the end cost us, whether its repairing them or using more fuel. In conclusion, both repairs and gas costs are increasing, and a good technician or repair facility can help battle those increases.
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HOW TO
CHOOSE A PHYSICIAN
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hoosing a physician is just that - a choice! It may be one of the most important things you will do. You need to be able to trust this person for his her expertise, advice and to administer treatment that may save your life. This is a decision to make before you get sick. There are many types of physicians out there with many different practices and styles of practice. All of them offer a variety of choices for your health care. How do you find a health care partner who’s right for you? Use this convenient checklist to help you through the process: Understand what’s important to you: Make a list of the top 3 – 5 things that are most important to you or your family in a healthcare provider. These can range anywhere from personality and philosophy of care, to insurances accepted and communication style, to location, office hours, and board certifications of the provider. Do your homework: A good first step is ask friends, family and colleagues about the physician(s) they see and whether they would recommend them. Many health care systems and hospitals offer online provider directories where you can narrow your selection of doctors based on several criteria such as specialty, location, gender, languages spoken, etc. Log on to one of our websites www. thomasvillemedicalcenter.org/site/our_doctors or www.kernersvillemc.org/OurDoctors/PhysicianFinder. aspx to view each physician’s profile and office information for a physician close to you. Also check out the hospitals where they serve as well on www. nchospitalquality.org to determine the quality of the medical facility you may be referred for health related services. If you don’t have access to a computer, contact our 24 hour 7 day a week physician referral lines 4762793 at Thomasville Medical Center or 718-7010 at Kernersville Medical Center to speak with a trained professional to help you locate a physician to meet your needs. This service is free of charge.
Review on line profiles and contact the physician’s office directly to find out enough information to determine whether the provider is likely to meet the top 3 – 5 things on your “most important list”. You can always use your initial office visits to ask more questions and determine whether the physician is ultimately a good fit for your and/or your family. When seeking a potential physician, consider the qualities that you feel make a good medical provider: Compassion: your health care partner should care about your comfort and listen to you. Ask: How much time do you spend with your patients? What is your approach to patient care? Comfortable and Trustworthy: You have to talk candidly with your health care partner so your concerns are understood and options for treatment are fully explored. Feel comfortable to ask questions to partner in the diagnosis and treatment plan. Expertise: Examine the doctor’s credentials. Ask: Are they board certified or board eligible? Have they completed advanced fellowships? How many years have they been in practice? Education Role: Your physician should be able to provide health information specific to your needs. Ask: Do you like to teach your patients? After Hours or same day appointments: If you prefer to – or have to- see your physician outside the hours of 8 am – 5 pm, does he/she see patients at other times? What about same day appointments? Hospital admissions: If you prefer a particular hospital such as Thomasville Medical Center or Kernersville Medical Center, or your insurance limits you to a certain hospital for treatment, make sure you know where the physician admits his or her patients for both inpatient and outpatient care. When an illness or injury occurs, it’s comforting to know you have access to a nurse on call, 24 hours a day by calling Care Connections at 718-7070. One free call will connect you to a highly qualified nurse, who will carefully evaluate your needs. The nurse will quick advise the best course of treatment, and can call ahead and or schedule your visit if needed. Review Your Notes: How did the physician information match up to the criteria above? How well did they match up with your “most important list”?
Remember, understanding health information can affect everyone regardless of background or educational level. According to The Partnership for Clear Health Communication, limited literacy skills is a stronger predictor of an individual’s health status than age, income, employment status, education level, and racial or ethnic group. That’s why physicians across the Novant Health system implemented Ask Me 3™, which was created by the Partnership for Clear Health Communication in order to empower you to become a more active partner in your care and increase your understanding of your health.
What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is this important for me? When using Ask Me 3™, you are encouraged to ask 3 simple (yet, essential) questions whenever you have a conversation with your healthcare provider: By asking and understanding the answers to these three questions, you can take action to manage your health and make informed decisions. We encourage you to use Ask Me 3™ with all of your healthcare providers (including your pharmacist). If you don’t understand something, we want you to ask for more information. We also encourage you to invite a family member or trusted friend to go with you to your appointments to listen and take notes. For the past few years, Novant Health has worked to offer our patients the most remarkable experience in every dimension, every time. That’s not just a catch phrase, it’s our Vision, and we actively incorporate it into everything that we do. Throughout our journey to the remarkable patient experience, we’ve adopted some nationally recognized health initiatives, as well as developed our own unique strategies that will improve patient safety, increase your understanding of your condition and may enhance the overall satisfaction with your health care experience. Looking for a physician? We would welcome an opportunity to partner with you on your health.
Need a doctor to care for you and your family? We’re here for you. Whether you need a primary care physician or a specialist, Thomasville Medical Center and Kernersville Medical Center are here for you. With doctor’s offices across the region, we’re conveniently located close to where you live and work. Our experts are dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care to you and your family. You can trust us with your healthcare needs.
Learn more about our specialties and find the doctor who’s best for you.
Find the doctor for you: 336-476-2793 www.thomasvillemedicalcenter.org/doctor
Find the doctor for you: 336-718-7010 www.kernersvillemc.org
HOW TO
BENEFIT FROM A CHIROPRACTOR
Chiropractic Defined * Chiropractic is the science of manipulating spinal and extremity joints to restore and improve joint function. * Scientific evidence proves that spinal manipulation therapy improves nerve system function, decreases pain and serves a s a preventive treatment for overall health and wellness. Brief History Records of spinal manipulations date back as far as 5,000 B.C. It has stood the test of time unlike many medical procedures. Records show that it is both safe & effective. Training & Licensure * In addition to Chiropractic school, a 4-year Baccalaureate Degree is required for licensure. * Chiropractic College consists of 10 Trimesters, which is equivalent to a 5-year Post-Graduate Degree. Scope of Practice * Full Diagnostic Testing * Spinal & Extremity Manipulation * Ultrasound, Traction, Rehabilitation Exercises, Electric Muscle Stimulation * Therapeutic Exercise Rehabilitation * Dietary, Nutrition & Wellness Instruction
5,850,000. The risk of getting struck by lightening is 1 in 80,000. The risk of death from chronic use of drugs like Tylenol and Advil is 1 in 2,500. Acute Low-Back Pain * U.S. Government Agency Report. In 1994, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research published Clinical Practice Guideline 14-Acute Low Back Problems in Adults (Bigos et al. 1994). The guideline defined acute low-back pain, evaluated various treatments, and made recommendations concerning the efficacy of those treatments. According to the Guideline, spinal manipulation is one of the most safe and effective treatments for most cases of acute lowback pain. Headache Pain A randomized controlled trial reported by Tuchin, Pollard, and Bonello (2000) compared spinal manipulation (SMT) with a placebo treatment for migraine headache. In all, 22% of the SMT patients reported a greater than 90% reduction in their migraines. The mean number of migraines per month dropped from 7.6 to 4.1– and this in patients who, at the study’s beginning, had experienced migraine pain for an average of 18.1 years. Th e SMT patients also reduced their medication use; many reported no need for medication after six months.
chiropractors. The average cost of care for patients treated by medical doctors was $3,519,whereas, the average treatment cost for chiropractic patients was $663. This was confirmed by an independent study by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute. -- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2004 Chiropractic is Supported by Science(BOLD) “Then compared to many other studies of similar design that have evaluated the extent of which different specialties are evidence-based, chiropractic was found to have the highest proportion of care (68.3%) supported by good quality experimental evidence.” -- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2003 Chiropractic Patients are More Satisfied(BOLD) Satisfaction was greater for patients who utilized chiropractic when compared with patients seeing traditional allopathic care. Recurrence and care seeking after acute back pain: results of a long-term follow-up study. -- North Carolina Back Pain Project Chiropractic Reduces Costs of Healthcare(BOLD)
Chiropractic is More Cost-Effective Utilitzation & Safety * Chiropractic is the third largest healthcare profession. An estimated 8 million North Carolinians visit chiropractic doctors each year. * There are an estimated 250 million patient visits per year in the U.S., and a 65-year study reported only 255 cases of complications from spinal manipulation therapy. * The risk of complication from a chiropractic manipulation is 1 in
“There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transferred to chiropractors.” -- Ontario Ministry of Health: Magna Study A review of 96,627 NC workers’ compensation musculoskeletal claims revealed lower treatment costs, less lost work days, and lower compensation payments for patients treated by
Source: The Chiropractic Theories, A Textbook of Scientific Research, Fourth Edition, Robert A Leach DC
An analysis of studies done on back pain patients with chiropractic coverage vs. those without chiropractic coverage found that plans with chiropractic coverage produced: 41% Reduction in hospitalizations 12% Reduction in health plan costs 23% Reduction in use of X-rays 32% Reduction in back surgeries 37% Reduction in MRI scans -- Archives of Internal Medicine, 2004
Medical Doctors Prefer Chiropractic Care for Their Patients(BOLD) “I view chiropractic care as an essential component of our healthcare system. While conventional medicine does a good job of screening for the early detection of disease, I believe that the regular use of chiropractic actually prevents early stages of disease from evolving into crisis disease care management. I have referred many patients to chiropractic care and they have benefited from this wellness approach to maintaining health. I have avoided long-term pharmaceutical usage and/or acute surgery by using chiropractic as a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical alternative. Remember, pharmaceutical and/or surgery should be utilized as a last resort - only when more natural, less invasive modalities are unavailable or ineffective.” -- Richard Sarnat, M.D., President of AMI (Alternative Medicine Integration) 50% of All Health Plans Will Become Consumer-Driven and Wellness-Based in the Next 5 Years(BOLD) As the insurance industry transitions to consumer choice products, chiropractic is a natural fit. “Health is a state of optimal well-being: wellness is how you get there. Chiropractors engage their patients in a health partnership that also contributes to the success of their care...In the wellness model, this partnership includes the doctor engaging the patient in making the active lifestyle modifications to promote healing and enhance health.”
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Walk-Ins Welcome Call for Immediate Appointment Hours: Monday thru Friday 9am-12pm; 2-6pm
HOW TO COOK ON THE BIG GREEN EGG
I
have a confession to make. I love my Big Green Egg. If I could wheel it into my room every night and fit it on my bed, I would. The Big Green Egg is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – a green, egg-shaped ceramic behemoth. It can grill, bake, smoke… sounds like a perfect husband to me! Even though the Big Green Egg is pricey, I use mine all the time and don’t need any other type of outdoor cooker. I even use the Big Green Egg in place of my oven. This is a basic guide to how to use the Big Green Egg, but feel free to experiment with different types of food – bread, pizza, any and all kinds of meat. The possibilities are truly endless and your foodie imagination can be your guide. Even Heat with your Ceramic Cooker If you put your hand on the outside of any regular grill, you would probably have to go to the hospital with serious burns. Not true on the Big Green Egg (although, I wouldn’t recommend holding your hand on a grill!) That’s because the Egg is made of ceramic material and that has some serious benefits: · Gets up to a very high heat (I have gotten to 750 degrees) · Keeps temperatures even for a long period · No hot spots · Seals in moisture Charcoal and Wood Chips Using natural charcoal when cooking with the Egg is an absolute must. Natural charcoal is basically chunks of hardwood that is cooked into charcoal, but they light easily and burn at a high heat. If you are only using charcoal for grilling or baking, the flavor is clean.
Quick Tip: If you like to garden AND grill, make sure to save those ashes from the natural charcoal and sprinkle a small amount in your flower beds or garden. Small amounts of ash are a good source of potassium for your garden, but make sure you don’t use them on acid-loving plants like blueberries. If you are planning on using the Big Green Egg for smoking, there are a ton of options for wood chips. I don’t personally soak my wood chips, but you can presoak them if you wish. I do make sure that the wood chips are sizeable, instead of the little shreds that are sometimes at the bottom of the bag – it ensures that when I am smoking something for a long time that the smoke flavor permeates the whole time. Here are some examples of types of wood to pair with our favorite grilling foods: Apple – This wood will produce a very mild, but slightly sweet, flavor that will pair perfectly with poultry and pork. Cherry – Cherry also has a mild flavor and you can use it to cook pretty much everything with this versatile wood. Hickory – Look out for this strong flavor. While it is perfect for heavy meats, don’t be too heavy-handed with the chips. Lilac – This unique wood is used for smoking cheese, and you can also use it for poultry and pork. Mesquite – This wood has a very distinct flavor that is synonymous with barbeque and grilling…it’s perfect with beef. Pecan – Pecan is the milder little sister of hickory. I use pecan most often because I don’t like the heavy taste of hickory on meat. Plum – This wood is perfect for poultry and pork because of its mild, sweet flavor.
Walnut – You will get a very heavy, smoky flavor from walnut so use it sparingly for red meats. Feel free to experiment with different types of woods from olive to birch to lemon – you can even mix up chips to impart a unique flavor. Quick Tip: Stay away from cedar, elm, pine, redwood and sycamore woods for cooking. Basics of Lighting your Big Green Egg Big Green Egg as a Grill You will not want to go back to a regular grill when you try the Big Green Egg. Once it is lit, it will get up to temperature pretty quickly – you might have to practice getting it up to a high enough heat to sear, but you’ll get it! While the Big Green Egg can get up to a temperature of 750 degrees, which is perfect for searing meats like steak, you can grill at any temperature just like you would use any other grill. The vents on the top and bottom of the Big Green Egg allow you to easily adjust the temperature as necessary. If you want to try something new, I recommend grilling a pizza. The high heat makes the pizza crusty on the outside, while it is still chewy on the inside and the grill flavor adds a depth to simple ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. Big Green Egg as a Smoker For smoking, load the Big Green Egg with a layer of charcoal, unless you have some leftover in there from another cooking experiment, and then layer with the wood chips of your choice. Then stack on another layer of charcoal, followed by another layer of wood chips, until you get to the top of the firebox in the Egg.
For smoking, I like to use the plate setter accessory, which has feet on it that lifts the food off the direct heat of the grill and allows the smoke to swirl around the food as it is cooking. Once you have the grill to a temperature of 200 – 250 degrees, it will stay there for a long time, allowing you to smoke your meat to perfection! Big Green Egg as an Oven This is what really sets the Big Green Egg apart from other grills or smokers. The ceramic walls allow superior temperature control and lots of moisture, which makes this a great oven. Everything from bread to pies to biscuits taste so much better in the Big Green Egg. Use the plate setter just like you would when you are smoking so you aren’t placing your food directly on the heat. When you are Done Cooking The best part about the Big Green Egg is the ease of clean up. Leaving the cooker on for a few minutes after you take your food out should burn off any residue (think self-cleaning oven.) You can use a brush to scrape away any additional residue that remains. Remember to clean out the ash tray at the bottom of the smoker. Another benefit is that you can leave the natural charcoal in the firebox of the cooker and use it again the next time you fire up the Big Green Egg, especially if you used a cooking technique that is fast, like grilling.
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HOW TO
CHOOSE AN AUCTIONEER hether your looking to sell your home, vehicle or excess inventory from your business, you should consider selling your property at an auction. Auctions offer a fast-paced way in determining what price the market bring for your property. For you, it means determining if your property is right for auction and finding and contracting with an auctioneer that meets your needs.
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the auctioneer will be determining if they can meet your needs and get the best price for your property. So how much is your property worth? It depends upon the market for your particular piece of property. Some commodities, like real estate, depend largely upon the geographical area and sale prices for similar properties. Other, more specialized commodities, such as manufacturing equipment or heavy equipment, will attract smaller groups of buyers across a much larger area.
Hiring the right auctioneer takes a little effort. You will want to weigh several factors carefully before signing a contract. Price shouldn’t be the only determining factor in making your decision. You should also consider: • Specialty. Many auctioneers specialize in only a few types of auctions. They will best know the market; the value of your property and how to attract the buyers most interested in your property. • Experience. Auctioneers can conduct anywhere from a few dozen or over 100 auctions in a year. Seasoned auctioneers know the market and know how to get the best price for your property. • Referrals. Auctioneers have plenty of success stories to share. But don’t just take their word for it. Ask former clients for their thoughts on their sales. • Licensing. Many states require auctioneers meet professional licensing requirements. Municipalities may also require auctioneers have permits or licenses. • Professional Affiliation. Members of the National Auctioneers Association and state
auctioneer associations keep abreast of their respective specialties, regulatory requirements and changes in your market. More importantly, NAA members are governed by a Code of Ethics, which ensures professionalism and protects both you and the buyer. • Reputation. This is a blend of experience and character. An auctioneer who is trusted and respected in their community will more likely attract a devoted group of buyers willing to attend and bid at their auction. Talk to former clients and people who attend auctions frequently.
Be prepared. How soon must your property be sold? Why are you selling now? Have you tried selling before through other methods? While you’re trying to choose an auctioneer,
It also depends upon the condition of your property. Knowing the age of your property, the manufacturer, the types and extent of repairs and keeping records of regular maintenance may help determine value. Avoid unpleasant surprises by asking the auctioneer about their commission, what services they’ll provide and what additional expenses might be involved in the sale. Some auctioneers will provide a budget or a cost estimate for your sale. Finally, attend at least one auction held by each of the auction companies that you are seriously considering. Seeing them in action will provide invaluable information about how efficiently the auction is conducted, what the auctioneer does to draw people into the bidding, and how well people respond to the auction in general. Often, these visits will make one candidate stand out from the rest, and make it easy to choose the best auction company for your upcoming auction.
Real Estate • Estates Machinery • Vehicles Business Liquidation etc. AUCTIONEERS: FORREST A. MENDENHALL, CAI, AARE WAYNE MENDENHALL, CAI
Over 55 years of Successful and Professional Auctions throughout the Southeast
HOW TO
PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AS A WOMAN Women: How to Protect Your Health A woman’s health depends on a lot of factors. Every woman should make time for healthy habits - regular exercise, stress management, good nutrition - and she should also be scheduling routine health screenings so potential problems can be spotted early. Breast Cancer Screenings Every woman should perform a self exam each month. Starting around age 20, women should have a clinical breast exam performed by a physician at least every three years until age 50. Women aged 50 and older should have a mammogram every two years. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need to have mammograms starting at an earlier age and more often. Cervical Cancer/STD Screenings Beginning at age 21, or earlier if you are sexually active, women need to have a pelvic exam and Pap smear to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive system. A Pap smear detects any cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor can also screen for sexually transmitted diseases during a Pap smear. The current recommendations for testing are: • If you are aged 21-29 years—have the Pap test every two years • If you are aged 30 or older—have the Pap test every three years • If you are aged 65 or older—you may be able to stop having Pap tests if you have had three normal results in a row and no abnormal results in the past 10 years. You will need to have Pap tests done more often if you have abnormal results or certain conditions, like a suppressed immune system or a history of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer.
Colon Cancer Screenings Screenings for colon cancer generally start at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier. Several different tests can detect this cancer. Your health care team can help you decide which is best for you. Unless a problem is found, this screening needs to be repeated every 5 to 10 years and a colonoscopy only every 10 years. People with a greater risk of colon cancer may need earlier or more frequent cancer screening tests. Diabetes Diabetes (high blood sugar) can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts. Women should get a blood glucose test every three years starting at age 45 to test for diabetes or prediabetes. Before age 45, you may need to have your blood glucose levels tested if you have symptoms of diabetes or several risk factors. Blood Pressure Screening Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure. Cholesterol Check Women should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years starting at about age 20. This screening is important for decreasing your risk of heart disease, and can be done at your doctor’s office or at a lab with a doctor’s order. Depending on risk factors in your family you may need to have your cholesterol level checked more frequently.
Osteoporosis (Bone Density Screening) Women should start getting screened for osteoporosis with a bone density test at age 65. Women with risk factors for osteoporosis, such as having a slender frame or a fractured bone, should be screened earlier. The frequency of this health screening varies from woman to woman based on bone density and risk factors. Skin Cancer Women should examine their skin every month starting at age 18, and by the time they’re 20, a doctor or dermatologist should conduct the examination during a routine check-up. Women should carefully inspect the skin all over their bodies, looking for any new moles or changes to existing moles to spot the early signs of skin cancer. Because these tests are considered preventive, many insurance plans cover them. However, there may be certain criteria that you have to meet, such as the reason for the test, the time elapsed since your last test, your age at the time of the test, whether the provider is in your plan’s network, and other rules. Talk to your health care practitioner today about what screenings are right for you and what will be covered through your insurance company.
HOW TO
CHOOSE A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY & MAKE THE TRANSITION n an independent living community, you have your own apartment in a community; much like a “township” that provides a safe and secure environment. Many of the things that seniors have been responsible for their entire lives become things that they no longer have to worry about. Life becomes carefree. Within the “township”, seniors have the ability to make new friends, have transportation provided for them and have that sense of security that often may be compromised when still living alone. Assisted living costs include medical assistance where independent living has options for medical assistance through home health agencies of their choice as a third party. This eliminates the concerns of having to move if a little more care is needed.
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Services at a typical independent living community: • Three meals a day served in a common dining area • Housekeeping services • Transportation • Round the clock security • Exercise and wellness programs • Laundry facilities • Social and recreational activities
Ask yourself the following questions: • Are the activities of grocery shopping, cooking & cleaning becoming stressful or overwhelming? • Do you feel lonely or isolated at home? Having an active social life is vital to your health and happiness. Being alone much of the time is a recipe for depression. • Do you worry for your safety? • Are you tired of maintaining a home? • Is transportation an issue? Signs that a parent should consider a retirement community: The following warning signs may indicate that it’s time for a talk with Mom and Dad about retirement living: • The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food or your parent is losing weight. These may be signs that he or she isn’t eating well because shopping or cooking is difficult. • Your parent is becoming less and less social. Socialization is so very important for seniors in many ways whether it be the dining room experience with restaurant style service, the activities that take place throughout the day that include exercise programs, various clubs
such as book clubs, bridge clubs, outings for shopping and meals. • You are concerned about your parent’s safety or their neighborhood • The house and yard isn’t as clean and tidy as it used to be. • Your parent seems depressed. • You want your parents to have the opportunity for a better quality of life Tips for making the transition to an independent living community easier: • Consider a trial stay • Prepare in advance of the move. Don’t add to the stress of the actual move by putting yourself in a position where you’ll need to make hasty decisions about what to take and what to keep. • Know what to expect. Read all the materials before you move in and make sure all of your questions are answered ahead of time. • Stay busy. You’ll feel comfortable much quicker if you get out there to meet the residents, participate in activities, and explore the facility.
What to look for in the staff: • Do they have time to speak with you or does it feel rushed? • Do they appear genuinely interested in you? • Do they interact warmly with current residents? • How do they handle emergencies? What to look for in the community: • Do the residents appear happy? • Do the residents enjoy interacting with one another? • Do the residents seem like people whom you’d enjoy getting to know? • Are there hobbies, groups and activities on site that look interesting to you? • Does the community have a homey atmosphere? • Is the food appealing to you? • Is the community in compliance with state and local licensing requirements? The community you’ll be happiest at won’t necessarily be the most fancy or expensive. The bottom line is that the right community for you is the one where you feel most at home.
Retirement Living at its Finest!! The Stratford offers the carefree and all inclusive independent retirement lifestyle seniors deserve. Includes: - Live-in Managers - 3 Chef Prepared Meals - Paid Cable TV and all Utilities - Housekeeping & Linen Service - Security & 24 hour Emergency Response System
- Transportation - Programs and Activities - Travel Program - Pet Friendly - Billards, Exercise, Movie Rooms & Library
After a lifetime of hard work and responsibility, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself.
And that’s what independent retirement living is all about.
You’ll wish you’d done this sooner.
Visit us today for a complimentary meal & personal tour.
The Stratford Independent Retirement Living
336.841.1746
1573 Skeet Club Rd, High Point • www.the-stratford.com
HOW TO
DECIDE BETWEEN EMERGENCY ROOM & URGENT CARE
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n a Tuesday evening, Tom Pullen slid into second base during a friendly church softball game in Jamestown and heard something snap in his left ankle. Seconds later, a shooting pain radiated through his ankle, foot and lower leg. Within minutes his ankle had swelled to twice its normal size. Tom knew he needed serious medical attention but questioned whether he should go to an urgent care center, like PrimeCare, or to the emergency room at Kernersville Medical Center or Thomasville Medical Center. So, where do you go? In situations like this, it can be tough to figure out the best location for medical treatment, especially when you don’t know exactly what’s wrong. Kernersville Medical Center and Thomasville Medical Center have recently introduced a free service called Care Connections that connects you with a certified registered nurse. Over the phone the nurse can help evaluate the symptoms and identify the best type of facility for your needs. The nurse can even call ahead to either of the medical center’s emergency departments (ED) to alert medical staff on your behalf. Or, they can schedule you a reservation at one of PrimeCare’s five locations around the Triad. “We want to make sure people are getting to the most appropriate place for the care they need,” says Sloan Manning, MD, medical director of PrimeCare. “If you’re experiencing a life-threatening situation, call 911 or get to a hospital emergency department. But if you have unexpected health needs or a minor emergency, the Care Connections’ nurse can help you decide if you need to visit the
ED or a PrimeCare location.” PrimeCare’s five locations throughout the Triad offer a range of same-day services. The doctors are trained to treat a variety of conditions from respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms to burns and broken bones. All locations have an on-site lab for throat cultures, urinalysis and blood tests, as well as x-ray services. Kernersville Medical Center’s ED, the newest emergency department in the Triad, and Thomasville Medical Center’s ED, is equipped to handle everything from lifethreatening emergencies to heart attacks and strokes. Both of these community hospitals provide a smaller, welcoming feel than the larger facilities. They also have short wait times, ensuring faster care so that you are on your way to getting better. Consider cost When deciding between an urgent care center and an ED, another factor to consider is cost. “Insurance companies view urgent care centers and EDs very differently,” says Dr. Manning. “A person with standard health insurance might pay $30 for his part of the bill at an urgent care center, but the same services at the ED could cost as much as $150, depending on what insurance does or does not cover.” Info at your fingertips Keep the free Care Connections number, in a handy location. Care Connections is available 24 hours a day, at 336-718-7070. For more information, visit www.kernersvillemc.org/careconnections or www.thomasvillemedicalcenter. org/careconnections. To find your nearest PrimeCare location, visit www. primecaremd.com.
URGENT CARE SERVICES Flu-like symptoms, colds and upper respiratory infections Fever Burns Abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea Simple or suspected bone fractures, strains and sprains Cuts that may need stitches and other simple wounds Rashes and minor allergic reactions Non-severe asthma attacks Painful or burning urination Family Medicine Women’s care including gynecological exams, contraceptive assistance and pap tests
Immunizations Preventive care Dermatological care Minor skin surgical procedures Annual, school and sports physicals Lab & X-ray Services Blood tests Throat cultures Urinalysis Electrocardiogram (EKG) Vision testing Hearing testing Pulmonary function X-ray Occupational Medicine Blood and breath alcohol testing onsite DOT and other employment physicals Pre-employment drug screening Accidents & injuries Bloodborne pathogens Vaccinations
GO TO EMERGENCY ROOM During hours that no other medical care may be available When stroke symptoms may be present When heart attack symptoms may be present When multiple injuries have been incurred Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped Suspected seizures Excruciating pain Severe depression Severe substance abuse that is causing physical distress Emotional or behavioral issues that pose immediate danger to self or others Sexual assault or abuse Serious injury or trauma Respiratory distress Other suspected life-threatening problems
When illness or injury occurs, let us point you in the right direction:
EMERGENCY ROOM | URGENT CARE | PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN
In case of a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1. For any other medical situation experienced by a member of your family anytime of the day or night, call the nurses at Care Connections, a free service from Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Medical Group.
and advise the best course of treatment. Your nurse will then direct you to the emergency room, an urgent care provider or a primary care physician, and may even be able to schedule nonemergency appointments for you and your family members.
Available 24 hours a day, highly qualiďŹ ed nurses are standing by to evaluate illnesses and injuries over the phone,
Whether you need to call today or in the future, keep the Care Connections number handy: 336-718-7070.
www.kernersvillemc.org/careconnections
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL
ou may be thinking about volunteering for a clinical trial (sometimes called “clinical study” or “research study”) and wondering how to go about it, and what will be expected of you.
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Researchers are constantly look for better or new ways of treating illness and disease. But their discoveries cannot be put into general use to the public until controlled testing (or clinical trials) has been done on actual patients. Clinical trials are carefully designed studies performed to determine the safety of a new medication and its effect on people after years of research in laboratories and animal. Clinical trials are the only way that this testing can be done. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires clinical trials before it can approve a new treatment for public use. All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. Before joining a clinical trial, a volunteer must qualify for the study. You will be given complete information about the type of clinical trial, the potential risk, including any benefits and expectations. Participating in a clinical trial is much like a regular visit to a hospital or doctor’s office, the procedures can be very similar. You will be given an informed consent form to read and sign. This is required by law to make sure you understand what is involved in a trial. Participation in a study is
always completely voluntary, and you may end your involvement at any time, for any reason. Before deciding to volunteer for a study, ask questions (a few are listed below), get answers. More than anything else, you have the right to expect complete information about the trial. For additional information, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov: • WHO will be taking care of my health during the study? Is there a dedicated doctor and other licensed medical staff available at all times? Who can answer my questions? • WHAT kinds of tests or procedures will be involved? What exactly is expected of me? What side effects have been seen previously? What phase is this study? • WHEN will the trial take place, and how long will it last? • WHERE will the trial take place? How experienced is the clinic? • WHY is the study being conducted? A clinical trial is a partnership and a commitment between doctors and volunteers. Consider volunteering for a research study, your gift may help save lives and create better medicine for future generations. The success of any trial depends on its volunteers. -Sheila Rassette-Edwards, Issis Pumarol, Dr. Melanie Fein, High Point Clinical Trials Center Sources: www.clinicaltrials.gov, www.hhs.gov/ohrp
Volunteers Needed
Now looking for research volunteers... Are you any one of the following?
Depressed? Diabetic? Overweight? think you may be experiencing Memory Loss? Low Testosterone? Healthy? If you answered YES to any one of the above and would like to volunteer in one of these research studies, call today!
These studies are for research purposes only and are not intended to treat any medical condition Health Insurance is not required to participate
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Qualified participants will receive:
No-Cost research related medical care Compensation varies by study up to $2,000 to $5,740 depending on the study For further details call:
www.HPCTrialsCenter.com Like us on
at www.facebook.com/HPCTC
(877)296-1444
HOW TO
CREATE AN EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGY 10 Steps For Creating Effective Print Ads:
n today’s competitive world, you must stand out. When you consider the variety of advertising you see dailyprint, television, outdoor, digital and everything else-don’t let it overwhelm you. It all begins with your marketing plan. Developing a strategic plan is crucial. Advertising infrequently, inconsistently or haphazardly typically yields poor results. Conversely, a great plan, well crafted and thorough can prove successful.
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1. Big Picture Road Map: Draft a big picture road map incorporating the following: • Annual-events, promotions, holidays, key seasons and branding opportunities • Quarterly-detail the annual plan considering frequency programs • Monthly-implement your tactics, execution and tracking results allow for adjustments and future planning
2. Trends, Cycles, History: Your advertising plan should mirror your sales cycles. In busy months, consider direct respons intitiatives (sales, incentives) for increased sales and market share. Slower months need consistency to breed top of mind awareness for when customers are ready to buy. 3. Inventory: Evaluate inventory, noting top-selling items during key months. Consider marketing those items that will draw in our key customer segment. 4. Repeat the above steps: For different products, product lines or departments. That way, you can develop targeted plans that overlay one another, uncover synergies in advertising and maximize your investment. Integrated plans can become complex but are highly successful.
Archdale-Trinity News To develop your marketing strategy today, give the sales team at the High Point Enterprise, Thomasville Times and Archdale-Trinity News a call at 888-3545.
1. Make your ads easily recognizable. Consider your graphic elements that will make your ads distinctively different from your competitors and keep a consistent look. 2. Use simple layout. The layout should carry the readers’ eyes from headline to illlustration to explanatory copy to price to store’s name. Avoid using too many different type styles, borders and reverses that are distractive. 3. Use dominant elements. Large photographs and headlines share equal attention-getting value. 4. Use a prominent benefit headline. “What is in it” for the shopper? 5. Let white space work. Give the ad room to breathe with white space as it focuses reader attention on the ad. Too busy of an ad can negate the desired impact, blending it into the page. 6. Make copy complete. Use simple complete sentences with bold face lead ins. 7. State price or range of products. Readers often overestimate omitted prices. If the price is high, explain why it is a good value. If the price is low, support it with factual statesments such as close-out, special purchase or clearance. 8. Specify branded merchandise. If the product in a know brand, it can enhance your store’s reputation. Furthermore, you may qualify for coop from the manufacturer (free money). Include related items. Make two sales instead of one. Include related type products and services. 9. Compel readers to buy NOW. Tell them to get out of their chairs and do something! 10. Tell the reader what would make the targeted customer want to buy the product?