Kleinwood - December 2011 by Peel, Inc.

KLEINWOOD

K leinwood Krier Official Publication of the Kleinwood Homeowners Association

December 2011

Volume 1, Issue 9

Preparing for Winter As winter approaches, preparations should be considered both inside and outside your home to protect your investment, maintain your safety, and provide comfort throughout the colder winter months. INDOOR PREPARATIONS

The most obvious items to address as the winter months approach center largely around ensuring that your home remains warm. Regardless of your heat source there are preventative measures that should be taken to ensure that you remain warm and safe inside your home. Some of the most important areas to assess include: • Furnaces - regular annual furnace inspections will help keep your furnace in good repair. Cleaning or replacing furnace filters monthly during the operating months will also keep your furnace operating efficiently. • Oil Heaters - like furnaces, oil heaters require annual inspections and maintenance. Annual inspections should include: inspecting the chimney, cleaning the pipes to remove soot build up, replacing the air filter, checking oil pressure and cleaning the oil filter bowl. Oil supplies will need to be replenished. • Fireplaces - periodic cleanings should be performed by a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote buildup to prevent chimney fires. It is also a good time to ensure that woodpiles are sufficiently

stocked for the winter months with wellseasoned wood. Woodpiles should be located in a dry location and in an area away from structures to prevent granting wood-eating insects, such as termites, easy access to your home. • Inspect windows and door for leaks replacing cracked windows, or sealing air leaks around doors and windows will not only make the winter months more comfortable, but will also lower the costs of heating your home. One method of sealing leaks around windows is by using a removable caulking product which allows for easy removal and restoration of functionality for windows with the return of warmer weather in the spring. • Evaluate smoke detectors and related safety equipment - the ending of daylight savings time is an ideal time to replace batteries in smoke detectors and any other battery-powered safety or emergency equipment. It is also a good time to evaluate existing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in terms of lifespan and whether they provide an adequate level of coverage. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are generally considered to have a lifespan of 10 years, whereas carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan generally ranging from 2 to 5 years. Beware that batteries in the carbon monoxide detectors may still function after the actual carbon monoxide

sensor has ceased being operational. OUTDOOR PREPARATIONS

Outdoor preparations should include a walk around your property with an eye for cracks in foundations, the mortar in brick structures, and caulking or weather stripping that has failed. Other things to look for include: evidence of uninvited guests in the form of rodents or birds living or nesting in unsafe or unwanted locations, exposed wood that may need some type of protective treatment applied, and items that are too close to heat sources that could become fire hazards. In addition to this general evaluation, here is a list of specific items to consider: • Hoses/hose bibs - in regions where temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to disconnect and drain your garden hoses, and either wrap hose bibs or cover them with insulating covers to prevent freezing pipes. A quick inspection for other exposed pipes that may need insulating will prevent the headache of dealing with broken pipes later. • Sprinkler systems - in colder climates, sprinkler systems will need to be drained to prevent water from freezing and causing cracked or broken pipes. You may be able to drain the water yourself, or you may hire a professional to winterize it by blowing the water out of your system with an air compressor. (Continued on page 3) The Kleinwood Krier - December 2011

IMPORTANT NUMBERS KLEINWOOD MAINTENANCE BOARD Larry Chamberlin, President............................ 281-580-2222 Ronnie Brod, Vice President............................. 281-370-9200 Tom Houser, Secretary..................................... 281-379-6517 Jeff Gobbell, Treasurer...................................... 281-251-7767 Kelly Smith, Director at Large.......................... 281-370-9735 KLEINWOOD MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT Robert Ehmann, President............................... 281-251-8621 Sherry Allard, Vice President............................ 281-923-8603 Joe Fratangelo, Secretary/Treasurer................... 281-251-3189 Bernie Bryl, Assis. V. P. & Asst. Sec.................. 281-251-2688 Mike Morgan, Assis. Sec.& Investment Off...... 281-376-6607 MANAGEMENT COMPANY Chaparral Management.................................... 281-537-0957

NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

POOL MANAGEMENT COMPANY Southwest Pool Management........................... 281-370-2474 MUD FACILITY MANAGER & BUILDING RENTALS Roger Schuett................................................... 281-685-1275 NEIGHBORHOOD COORDINATORS Message Board Coordinator.........................................OPEN Jeff Gobbell, Pool Liaison................................. 281-251-7767 Mona Currey, Newsletter Editor............. mona@aegis-web.com Ronnie Brod, Tennis Liaison............................ 281-370-9200 John Bush, Signs..................................................................... Head Block Captain.....................................................OPEN SCHOOLS Mittelstadt Elementary..................................... 832-484-6711 Kleb Middle School......................................... 832-249-5500 Klein High School............................................ 832-484-4000

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER PEEL Inc.................................................... www.peelinc.com Advertising....................................................... 888-687-6444 2

The Kleinwood Krier - December 2011

PROVIDING INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES

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COMMUNITY SERVICES Emergency........................................................................911 Harris County Constable................................. 281-376-3472 C.C.E.M.S....................................................... 281-440-4300 St. Lukes Vintage Hospital............................... 832-534-5000 Methodist Willowbrook Hospital..................... 281-737-1000 Poison Control Center..................................... 281-654-1701 Waste Management.......................................... 713-686-6666 Klein VFD Business Office............................... 281-376-4449 Water/Sewer Repairs (24/7).............................. 832-467-1599 Water/Sewer Billing Questions......................... 832-467-1599 Reliant Energy/HL&P..................................... 713-207-7777 Centerpoint (report streetlight outings)............ 713-207-2222 Harris County Library, Barbara Bush Branch... 281-376-4610 Harris County, Precinct 4................................. 281-353-8424 Harris County Animal Control........................ 281-999-3191 Aircraft Noise Complaints................................ 281-233-3900 Environmental Development Partners.............. 832-467-1599

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KLEINWOOD Preparing for Winter - (Continued from Cover Page) • Roof - inspect your roof for any loose, missing, worn or damaged shingles, tiles or other roofing material and have any needed repairs made to prevent unwanted water damage. • Clean your gutters and downspouts - after leaves and other tree debris has fallen and collected in your gutters, it will be important to clean the gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and causing water damage or overflowing during winter storms. • Clean landscaping tools - when storing your landscaping tools for winter, take the opportunity to clean them well, apply a light coat of lubricant on tools such as pruning shears to keep them operational and to extend their lifespan, and replace tools that are in poor condition so you’ll be prepared next spring when your landscaping begins to come to life once again. • Prepare winter equipment - now is the time to test winter equipment that you may need in the coming months and make any necessary repairs ahead of time. Knowing that the snow blower or back-up generator will work and are in good repair and that you are prepared for inclement weather will provide peace of mind. It is also a good time to place this equipment along with shovels and salt in an accessible location so it is readily available when it is needed.

Bashans Painting & Home Repair Commercial/Residential Free Estimates

281-347-6702 281-731-3383cell • Interior & Exterior Painting • Garage Floor Epoxy • Hardi Plank Installation

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• Wood Replacement

• Roofing

• Sheetrock Repair

• Gutter Repair/Replacement

• Interior Carpentry

• Faux Painting

• Cabinet Painting

• Door Refinishing

• Wallpaper Removal and Texturizing

• Window Installation

• Pressure Washing

• Ceiling Fan/Light Fixtures

• Fence Repair/Replacement

• Trash Removal

• Winter fertilizer - an application of winter fertilizer to lawns will promote stronger roots and help produce a healthier lawn in the spring. • Plants - take a look at your landscaping and determine if there are plants that may be sensitive to cooler weather and require special preparation. While some plants may need to be trimmed, others may require additional composting materials around their roots to protect them during freezing temperatures, and others will need to be moved to a sheltered area or indoors. This is also a good time to lift bulbs that won’t survive the colder temperatures such as dahlias and to consider planting spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils. EMERGENCY PLANNING Lastly, don’t forget to review or establish an emergency plan and supply kit. Emergency plans should include: • Designated out-of-area contact as a centralized point person - often in emergencies it is easier to reach an out-of-area contact than a local one to relay information about impacted family members • Back-up meeting place • Back-up child care and pet care arrangements (Continued on page 4)

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Sudoku • Accommodations for any special needs (non-ambulatory or disabled family members, family members using oxygen tanks, etc.) Emergency supply kits should be kept in an easily accessible location and contain:

Crossword Puzzle

• Water • Non-perishable food • Pet food • Blankets • First Aid kit • Candles and matches/lighter • Battery-operated radio • Flashlights • Important phone numbers - relatives, utilities • Fuel for any back-up heat sources • Supplies for existing medical conditions • For homes with infants, an adequate supply of diapers and infant related items

SUDOKU

View answers online at www.peelinc.com DOWN ACROSS 1. Incline 1. Tack 2. Change 5. Giant 3. Small particle 9. Philippine dish with marinated 4. Compass point chicken or pork 5. Night bird 11. Journalist's question 6. Body snatcher 12. Tiny insects 7. Cultivate 13. Cut of beef 8. Volcano 14. School group 10. Change into bone 15. South 16. Musical productions 17. United States 18. Canadian prov. 18. Bottle need 19. Palladium (abbr.) 20. Upset 20. Many 22. Cow's chow 21. Perfect 23. Year (abbr.) 22. Captain (abbr.) 24. Computer makers 24. Institution (abbr.) 27. Brews 25. Swain 29. Sleep disorder 26. African country 31. Parent teacher groups 28. Fast plane 32. Strong rope fiber 30. Pastry 33. Bend 34. Decorative needle case © 2006. Feature Exchange

Preparing for Winter - (Continued from Page 3)

The goal is to fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Each digit may appear only once in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box.

Sudoku

The goal is to fill in the grid so that every© row, every Exchange column, and 2006. Feature every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Each digit may appear only once in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box.

The Kleinwood Krier - December 2011

KLEINWOOD

HEALTH BRIEFS - DECEMBER 2011 ALLERGIES: KNOW YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS

Allergies got you down? Dr. Madhu Narra, assistant professor of medicine in the section of allergy, immunology and rheumatology at BaylornCollege of Medicine offers some tips to help manage. Fall is the blooming season for weeds such as ragweed while spring allergies are from blooming trees and grasses. Indoor allergens such as dust mites can cause symptoms all year round. it is important to be aware of what you are allergic to so that you know when to look out for these allergens, said Narra. Symptoms include runny and itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, congestion, drainage and cough. Some people may experience wheezing and trouble breathing. • For mild allergies, consider over-the-counter medications like loratadine or cetirizine that usually do not cause drowsiness • Keep your windows closed during peak pollen season. You can track pollen counts online. • Clean pets before they enter the house so that they don’t carry pollen into the home • Do not dry clothes outside where they can pick up pollen • Wear a mask or nasal filters when mowing the lawn to prevent allergens from getting into the nose • If prescription medications and nasal sprays do not help much or if long-term relief from severe allergies is desired, consider getting allergy shots, which can provide long lasting relief with four to five years of treatment WINTER WEATHER AND SKIN CARE Summer may be over, but protecting your skin should remain a priority. “Colder temperatures, wind and sunlight work together to cause irritation to your skin,” said Dr. John Wolf, professor and chair of dermatology at BCM. “It is difficult to distinguish between windburn and sunburn, so it is a good idea to focus on overall skin care.” Wolf suggests using extra moisturizer as well as moisturizing sun block with an SPF of 30 or higher, especially if planning a winter trip to a higher altitude where ultraviolet rays from the sun are more intense. Chapped lips and fever blisters also can be provoked by the cold, wind and sun. People who suffer from severe outbreaks of fever blisters may want to talk to their doctor to see if there are prescriptions to prevent such outbreaks Wolf says. Chapped lips are more prevalent during colder months as well, but using a lip balm with an SPF factor

of 30 or even a thick coat of zinc oxide may help keep them at bay. During colder weather many people will take hot showers, sit in a sauna or even enjoy a hot tub. Wolf said this can actually increase dry and itchy skin. He suggests using moisturizer while still damp, before completely drying off. TEACH KIDS TO ENJOY TREATS IN MODERATION From Halloween to the new year, kids are tempted by pies, cakes and other treats. However, according to experts at Baylor College of Medicine, the holidays are no excuse for parents to let kids overeat and divert from their normal eating routine. “You have to keep meals and snacks under some control no matter what day of the year it is,” said Dr. Karen Cullen, associate professor of pediatrics at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at BCM. Cullen says a good plan is to save holiday treats for snacks, and be sure that they are an appropriate portion size for that snack. Consider freezing treats to save for later use. Parents should be serve as positive role models by continuing to serve and eat regular balanced meals. In addition, they should encourage children to try fruits and veggies that are offered at holiday parties. OLDER ADULTS CAN FIGHT FRAILTY THROUGH RESISTANCE WEIGHT TRAINING

Imagine not being able to stand up because you can’t carry your own body weight. To prevent this, incorporate resistance weight training into your routine, said an expert at Baylor College of Medicine. “As we age, we slowly start to lose lean muscle mass, and resistance weight training is the only way to slow this down,” said Dr. Robert Roush, associate professor of medicine - geriatrics at BCM. “It’s never too late to start.” Resistance weight training can consist of weight lifting, using weight machines or any other exercise activity that creates some sort of resistance. This should go along with a regular cardiovascular exercise plan, said Roush, who is also with the Huffington Center on Aging at BCM. Always check with a qualified health care provider before starting any exercise routine. Try to find a gym with senior benefits or share a personal trainer with friends to learn proper technique. If a gym is not an option, try using stretch bands and dumbbells at home. Activities such as swimming, climbing stairs and walking at an incline can also provide resistance. Regardless of whether one goes to a health club or exercises at home, the key is to follow recommended regimens and proper technique.

The Kleinwood Krier - December 2011

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KLEINWOOD

- Kids Stuff-

Section for Kids with news, puzzles, games and more!

You lean over to whisper something to your friend and you can tell by the look on your friend's face that something is up. Could it be your breath? Maybe you shouldn't have put extra onions on your hamburger at lunch. What's a kid with smelly breath to do? The good news is that bad breath happens to everyone once in a while. Let's find out how to detect it, prevent it, and even treat it. What's That Smell? Bad breath is the common name for the medical condition known as halitosis (say: hal-uh-toe-sis). Many different things can cause halitosis — from not brushing your teeth to certain medical conditions. Sometimes, a person's bad breath can blow you away — and he or she may not realize there's a problem. There are tactful (nice) ways of letting someone know about bad breath.You could offer mints or sugarless gum without having to say anything. If you need to tell a friend he or she has bad breath, you could say that you understand foods can cause bad breath because you've had it before yourself. By letting someone know that bad breath isn't something unusual, you'll make the person feel more comfortable and less embarrassed about accepting your piece of chewing gum. If you suspect your own breath is foul, ask someone who will give you an honest answer without making fun of you. (Just don't ask your brother or sister — they just might tell you your breath stinks even when it doesn't!) Although everyone gets bad breath sometimes, if you have bad breath a lot, you may need to visit your dentist or doctor. What Causes Bad Breath? Here are three common causes of bad breath: • foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, and soda • poor dental hygiene (say: hi-jeen), meaning you don't brush and floss as you should • smoking and other tobacco use Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when you

leave food particles in your mouth, these pieces of food can rot and start to smell.The food particles may begin to collect bacteria, which can be smelly, too. Plus, by not brushing your teeth regularly, plaque (a sticky, colorless film) builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why breath can turn foul. Preventing Smelly Breath So what's a kid to do? Don't smoke or use tobacco products, of course.And take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Brush your tongue, too, because bacteria can grow there. Flossing once a day helps get rid of particles wedged between your teeth.Also, visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. Not only will you get a thorough cleaning, the dentist will look around your mouth for any potential problems, including those that can affect breath. For example, gum disease, also known as periodontal (say: per-ee-uh-don-tul) disease, can cause bad breath and damage your teeth. If you're concerned about bad breath, tell your doctor or dentist. But don't be surprised if he or she leans in and take a big whiff! Smell is one way doctors and dentists can help figure out what's causing the problem. The way a person's breath smells can be a clue to what's wrong. For instance, if someone has uncontrolled diabetes, his or her breath might smell like acetone (the same stuff that's in nail polish remover). If you have bad breath all the time and the reason can't be determined by your dentist, he or she may refer you to a doctor to make sure there is no other medical condition that could be causing it. Sometimes sinus problems, and rarely liver or kidney problems, can cause bad breath. Usually, there's a less complicated reason for a kid's bad breath — like what you had for lunch. So keep up with your brushing and flossing and you should be breathing easy — and odor free! Reviewed by: Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS, and Charlie J. Inga, DDS Date reviewed: September 2007

This information was provided by KidsHealth, one of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, and teens. For more articles like this one, visit www.KidsHealth.org or www.TeensHealth.org.  ©1995-2006. The Nemours Foundation

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