Consumer How-To Guide 2021

2 0 2 1 CONSUMER

How-To GUIDE

Valuable Information on Products & Services in the Lake Martin Area

June 2021 A special supplement to The Alexander City Outlook & The Dadeville Record

How-To:

Identify Septic Tank Problems When septic systems are working properly, homeowners seldom give them any thought. However, if there is a problem with a septic system, things can get messy and expensive very quickly. The key to keeping septic systems running smoothly is prevention.

Septic systems are installed in homes that do not have direct access to municipal sewer lines. Septic systems are typically found in rural homes or in towns that may not have the resources for extensive sewer piping.

While a properly designed septic system can be trouble-free, maintenance is still essential. Because septic systems tend to be out of sight and out of mind, homeowners can forget about them. But ignoring your septic system can cause problems in the future.

HOW DOES A SEPTIC SYSTEM WORK? Most septic systems have two main components: where the waste enters from the house and breaks down and a filtering system where the waste water exits into the ground. Waste travels from toilets and sinks to the septic tank, where natural bacteria help break down the waste. Then the remaining water flows out through a filter into the surrounding ground.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A FAILING SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM? Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find a septic tank system that is failing.

In most cases, the failure starts as a small problem and continues growing until the problem is too large to ignore. The signs of a failing system include: ■ Surfacing or ponding of the septic tank effluent on the ground surface.

This effluent may contain many diseasecausing bacteria, viruses, dysentery, hepatitis, giardiasis, cryptosporidosis, hookworm, tapeworm and other diseases that have plagued mankind for years.

Children are most likely to play in the pools or wet soil, but adults may have to walk through or work in the area, and once the effluent gets on a person,

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the germs can spread to the mouth or nose where they are swallowed or inhaled.

■ Slow drains or sewage backing up into the house.

The cause could be from failure of any part of the system.

■ Smell of sewage odor outside the house where drainfield is not saturated and there is no back-up. This may cause fly infestations and isolated outbreaks of water-borne diseases.

IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS Septic system problems occur when waste doesn’t properly break down, leading to system backups.

At the least, you may notice odors coming from the drains or toilets in your home. Or you may realize that sinks aren’t draining properly or toilets are not flushing with the right amount of power.

At the worst, toilets and the septic tank itself may overflow.

Outdoors you may notice soggy grass around the septic drain. Grass in one part of the leach field area may even be greener than in other areas. Each of these signs could indicate a septic system problem.

WHAT CAUSES PROBLEMS? The main culprits in septic system problems are blockages that cause the system to overflow or back-up into the home. Septic tanks need to be pumped out at regular intervals. A professional inspection is also necessary. Flushing or putting difficult-to-degrade items into the system also can cause problems. Be sure to heed the following: ■ Do not flush non-biodegradable

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

items down the toilet or sink drains.

Cotton balls or plastic can clog the system.

■ Do not pour cooking oil or grease down the sink drain.

■ Limit the amount of food particles that enter the system.

■ Set up a regular maintenance schedule to keep the system working.

■ Advise guests as to what is and is not allowed to go down the drain. Those without septic systems may be unaware.

What You Should Know ■ The best contractor may not be able to price match a smaller, underinsured, underequipped contractor ■ Use a water-saving device in your toilet tank and don’t ush unnecessarily.

■ Do not use your septic system for anything that can be disposed of in some other way.

■ Pump tanks every 3 years or yearly for commercial establishments

How-To:

Choose a Wound Care Specialist What is a Comprehensive Wound Healing Center?

A Comprehensive Wound Healing Center is an outpatient department of an acute care hospital providing medical evaluation of patients with wound healing problems and specialized treatment of these wounds using the most advanced techniques, products and services.

The Comprehensive Wound Healing Center is staffed by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses and other health care workers dedicated to the treatment of wound healing problems.

Most treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen treatment, are provided in an outpatient setting.

single patient and made of acrylic and lled with 100 percent oxygen. Patients may also be treated in multiplace chambers that are typically larger, hold multiple patients, and are lled with air.

Patients in multiplace chambers breathe 100 per cent oxygen by wearing a mask or hood during treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was originally used to treat divers suffering from the “bends” or decompression sickness but is now used to treat patients with a variety of wound healing problems including certain chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis) and certain rapidly progressive acute infections such as those caused by “esh eating” bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis).

Why is a special center for treating wounds benecial?

Comprehensive Wound Healing Centers fulll the needs of patients who require specialized and aggressive care for their wounds that typically cannot be provided in traditional medical settings.

Published medical and nursing evidence suggests that specialized centers for treating wounds improve outcomes by providing early and coordinated access to the full range of medical, surgical, and nursing interventions that may be required.

What are hyperbaric oxygen treatments like?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments include three phases: compression to the prescribed treatment pressure, the prescribed time at pressure, and decompression from the treatment pressure back to surface or atmospheric pressure.

How do I know if I have a chronic, nonhealing wound?

If a wound has not improved signicantly in four weeks or if it has not completed the healing process in eight weeks, it should be considered a chronic wound and one at risk for prolonged non-healing. Patients who have diabetes, arterial disease or chronic edema of the lower extremities, or a history of collagen vascular disease such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis should seek early referral to a Comprehensive Wound Healing Center.

What are the causes of chronic wounds?

Diabetes, immobilization, chronic edema, and circulatory problems contribute to the majority of chronic, non-healing wounds. Approximately 1.5 million people with non-healing wounds have diabetes. Another 2.5 million patients have pressure ulcers. Each year 500,000 new lower extremity ulcers develop in patient with chronic venous insufficiency and stasis. Other chronic wounds are the result of traumatic injury, nonhealing surgical incisions, and a variety of other diseases that affect the skin.

What is hyperbaric oxygen treatment?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is the breathing of 100 per cent oxygen at a pressure greater than one atmosphere, the pressure of air at sea level. In order to accomplish this treatment, a patient must be enclosed in a specially constructed chamber. Two types of chambers are commonly used to treat patients. The majority of hyperbaric oxygen treatments are administered in monoplace hyperbaric chambers holding a

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Compression: During the compression phase patients feel a “fullness” in their ears similar to what is experienced as a commercial airliner lands. This increase in pressure on the tympanic membrane or ear drum must be equalized by performing a valsalva maneuver or be swallowing or yawning. The temperature in the chamber also increases slightly during compression.

Treatment: The treatment phase begins when the pressure reaches the prescribed level. The patient breathes 100 per cent oxygen with brief interruptions to breath air to reduce the risk of any toxic reaction to prolonged oxygen breathing.

During the treatment patients may rest, sleep, listen to music, or watch television.

Decompression: During decompression the pressure within the chamber is reduced to that at the surface. Decompression results in mild cooling. Once the chamber pressure equals the outside or surface pressure the treatment is completed and the patient is removed from the chamber.

What is hyperbaric oxygen treatment used for?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be used to treat a number of clinical conditions. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society’s Oxygen Therapy Committee has recommended hyperbaric oxygen treatment as benecial in the following clinical conditions including: • Air or gas embolism • Decompression sickness • Carbon monoxide poisoning • Cyanide poisoning • Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemic injuries • Compromised skin grafts or aps • Thermal burns • Other problem wounds complicated by

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

hypoxia and specically diabetic foot ulcers • Necrotizing soft tissue infections • Gas gangrene • Refractory osteomyelitis • Osteoradionecrosis • Soft tissue radionecrosis Things to consider when choosing a Hyperbaric wound care clinic: • Make sure the clinic’s staff provides comprehensive wound treatment and can help with billing and insurance questions, scheduling, transportation and other issues • An excellent facility will make sure patients and their families receive education in the day-to-day care of the wound or ostomy.

• The clinic should have no problems with referring patients to other specialties, including vascular surgery, orthopedics, physical therapy, nutrition counseling and home health.

Things to consider: ■ What Causes Non-Healing Wounds?

Chronic and non-healing wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as “bed sores”).

■ Does insurance cover specialized wound care treatments?

Many health plans cover Wound Care Center treatments..

■ What can I expect at the rst appointment?

The rst appointment consists of an assessment by a skilled wound care team, a review of your medical history, blood tests, and recommendations for your treatment plan.

■ Is hyperbaric medicine safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and evidence-based treatment proven to speed the healing process in certain types of wounds. In fact, many patients nd it relaxing!

How-To:

Determine a Termite Infestation Ants and termites can look similar, so homeowners who suspect they have a termite infestation should leam to distinguish one from the other.

Few things elicit fear in the minds of homeowners like termites. Termites are voracious and can turn wood to pulp wherever they take up residence. Termites have felled massive trees, but they also can bore through the wood in homes, wreaking havoc as they go.

IDENTIFYING TERMITES Ants and termites can look similar, so homeowners who suspect they have a termite infestation should learn to distinguish one from the other. A close look at termites can make it easy to identify them. Unlike ants, termites have no “waist”, their bodies are more rectangular. A termite also has straight, beaded antenna, while an ant’s antennae are bent or elbowed.

Termite wings are equal in size, uniform in shape and much longer than their bodies Ants have a reddish hue, while termites are creamy white.

TREATMENT Prevention is always preferable to having to treat termites after they are established. Termite Web, a site devoted to termite information, states that treating home foundations and surrounding soli with termite spray is often the best course of action to stop subterranean termites from taking hold. If termites are already present, drilling into the floor surrounding the building and using a termiticide

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may be necessary. Baiting termites outside with wood that is tainted with slow-acting insecticide can eliminate an entire colony in one to four months.

Termite control methods may need to be repeated. A multipronged approach using different chemicals may be necessary to kill existing insects and repel further infestations. Contacting your local pest control spcialist can help homeowners rid their spaces of termites so that they can repair damaged wood and ensure structures are sound.

Effective termite control strikes back at invading colonies. When administered by an educated professional, you can know for sure that your home is protected. Your certified technician will inspect your property for the presence of termites, consult with you on what is found, apply the appropriate termite system to meet your specific needs, and return to ensure the success of the treatment program.

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

Important Points for preventing termites ■ Reduce openings that offer termites access to the structure (lling cracks in cement foundations as well as around where utilities pass through the wall with cement, grout, or caulk).

■ Fix leaks immediately.

■ Keep vents free from blockage, including plants.

■ Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do not allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces.

■ Do not pile or store rewood or wood debris next to the house.

■ Inspect periodically to help ensure that termite colonies do not become established.

How-To:

Choose a Cardiologist A cardiologist specializes in nding, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels in adults.

A cardiologist evaluates, identies, and treats heart problems using a variety of technologies including EKG, lab testing, ultrasound, X-ray, CT scanning, nuclear medicine, and cardiac catheterization and interventional techniques.

Cardiologists also implant pacemakers and debrillators. They do not perform open-heart surgery.

TRAINING After four years of medical school, these highly trained doctors spend an additional six to eight years in specialized training. A cardiologist receives three years of training in internal medicine and three or more years in specialized cardiology training.

QUALIFICATIONS Cardiology is a highly technical eld that requires continuous educational updates to remain current. Choosing a cardiologist who has training in all aspects of cardiology is critical.

Experience at performing cardiac procedures and demonstrating competency in managing patients with critical heart conditions such as acute MI is necessary. Good rapport and communication between patient and physician is important to build patient condence and sense of security.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY If your cardiology specialist adds F.A.C.C. - Fellow of the American College of Cardiology - to his or her name, it is a sign of signicant

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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WHICH MAY BE NECESSARY

accomplishment and commitment to a profession, to a specialty, and to the provision of the best health care for the patient.

Election to ACC membership is based on training, specialty board certification, scientific and professional accomplishments, length of active participation in a cardiovascular-related field, and peer recognition. Members are expected to conform to high moral and ethical standards.

REFERRAL TO A CARDIOLOGIST Any time you have a significant heart or related condition, you may require the attention of a cardiologist.

Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pains, or dizzy spells often require special testing. Heart murmurs or EKG changes are best evaluated by a cardiologist. Look for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine in International Cardiology when you are being evaluated by a cardiologist. Most importantly, cardiologists treat heart attacks, heart failure, and serious heart rhythm disturbances. Their skills and training are required for decisions about heart catheterization, balloon angioplasty, heart surgery, and other procedures.

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

Your cardiologist will review your medical history and perform a physical examination which may include checking your blood pressure, weight, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. While some problems may be diagnosed from this examination, your cardiologist may order an EKG, X-ray, or blood tests. In addition, an ambulatory ECG, echocardiogram, exercise test, heart catheterization and/or nuclear imaging may be required.

THE CARDIOLOGIST AND YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN The cardiologist usually serves as a consultant to other doctors. Your primary care physician may recommend a cardiologist or you may choose one.

As your cardiac care proceeds, your cardiologist will guide your care and plan tests and treatment with the doctors and nurses who are looking after you.

Important Points when choosing a Cardiologist ■ Choosing a cardiologist who has training in all aspects of cardiology is vital.

■ Look for F.A.C.C. -Fellow of the American College of Cardiology- designation when choosing a cardiologist.

■ If you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains or dizzy spells, call your Primary Care Physician or a cardiologist.

IT’S TIME FOR OUTDOOR FUN, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY? It’s time for outdoor fun, and you don’t want to miss a single moment in the sun.

Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical.

Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy.

Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including: • Advanced ultrasound testing • Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs • Management of cardiac rhythm disorders • Interventional cardiology care

HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC AT RUSSELL MEDICAL Make an appointment today by calling (256) 234-2644.

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 • Alexander City, AL 35010 uabmedicine.org/HeartRussell

How-To:

Choose a Bank Finding the right bank means assessing your needs first. Whether you’re looking for a new bank or just want to evaluate how well your current banking relationship is meeting your needs, answering the following questions can help you identify your “banking personality” and perhaps make your shopping a bit less of a chore.

• What is your goal in establishing a banking relationship? Answers may include “to save money,” “to have a checking account,” “to get a loan,” or all of the above.

• How much money can you keep on deposit each month and how many checks will you write? This will help you figure out how complex or simple an account you might need. “Packaged” or “multi-service” accounts offer a variety of services for one fee, while “no frills” accounts offer a minimum number of services at an extra-low price.

Other accounts might be designed cafeteria-style: you choose from a variety of services and pay as you go.

Will you be buying a home or car or making another large purchase in the near future? You’ll want to find out about the variety of loan products offered.

How many savings products are offered? This is important if you hope

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to save for a big expense or toward your child’s (or your own!) future education. Many banks now offer uninsured investments, such as mutual funds, as well as the more traditional insured deposit accounts.

• What time of day do you expect to do most of your banking? Some people prefer to visit the bank during their work hours, while others prefer a bank located close to home that they can visit over the weekend.

Important Points when choosing a bank ■ Assess your banking needs ■ Visit several banks nearby your home or ofce ■ Think about how comfortable you feel at each institution.

■ Look for an institution that is federally insured.

• Do you like the convenience of automated teller machines and other types of electronic services — like banking through your personal computer, or do you prefer to deal directly with bank personnel? Answering this question will help you determine if you’d be happier at a bank with an extensive branch network emphasizing regular, evening, or weekend hours, or one that focuses more on electronic services like ATMs and PC banking.

■ Compare fees and service charges.

Now that you have the answers to these questions, call or visit several banks near your home or office — more and more banks offer information over the Internet. Shop your current bank first if you think your relationship isn’t all it could be.

Perhaps they have introduced new accounts or services you aren’t even aware of that would better suit your needs. Let them know if the level of service or convenience don’t meet your expectations and give them the opportunity to design a relationship that works for you.

■ How many checks will you write?

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

Questions to think about ■ What is your “banking personality?”

■ How much money can you keep on deposit each month?

■ What are your savings goals?

Compare fees and service charges at the banks you’re considering, as well as interest rates on loans and deposit accounts. What does each charge for services like cashiers checks, safe deposit box rental and ATM use?

Because price isn’t the only — or even most important — factor for most people in choosing a bank, take a minute to think about how comfortable you feel at each institution. Are your questions answered quickly and accurately?

Do customer service personnel offer helpful suggestions? Will the hours and locations save you time and meet the demands of your lifestyle?

Finally, look for an institution that is federally insured. You will find federal deposit insurance stickers displayed on doors and teller windows.

How-To:

Choose a Family Practitioner WHAT IS A FAMILY PRACTITIONER? A family practitioner is a physician that treats all ages of patients for routine illness or injury (cold, flu or broken bone), chronic medical conditions and screening for more advanced diseases. In addition, a family practitioner promotes disease prevention by advising patients about risk factors associated with more difficult diseases. Just as important is the family practitioner’s role as a referrer or gatekeeper to specialists. When you have symptoms that require attention by a specialist, your family doctor can be the person who determines which type of specialist you need to see. Afterward, the doctor and specialist can coordinate your care.

There are different kinds of family practitioners, also called “primary care physicians.” Many family practitioners take care of all family members. A pediatrician cares for babies after birth and children generally up to age 18. An internist is trained to care for adults ages 18 and older. A geriatrician specializes in care for older people, generally ages 65 and older.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO FAMILY PRACTITIONERS HAVE? Family practitioners know the most current treatments and technologies. They train for 3 years in real practice settings, treating patients in the office, the hospital and at home. And they re-certify more than any other medical specialty.

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Family doctors also continue to educate themselves. This allows them to apply the latest medical breakthroughs to the everyday care of their patients.

WHY DO I NEED A FAMILY PRACTITIONER Family doctors are specially trained in preventive medicine.

They believe that preventing a health problem is better than having to overcome one. They help you make the right health choices to keep you and your family healthy.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FAMILY PRACTITIONER If you are looking for a family doctor, try talking to your friends and family. Once you have the names of a few doctors, you’ll want to ask the following questions to determine which doctors are worth meeting: · Is this doctor on the list of providers who work with my insurance? · Is this doctor’s location convenient to me? · What are the office hours? · Is the office nearby, located on a bus route or easy to access if I use a wheelchair? · What happens if I call this doctor in an emergency? · How quickly will I get a return call? · If the doctor is not available, is there someone else who can help me if I make a phone call or need an appointment? If you are satisfied with the answers to these questions,

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

you’ll need to make an appointment, where you’ll want to consider this: · Does the doctor see you within a fair amount of time from your appointment time? · Does the doctor listen to your questions and not interrupt you? · Is the doctor respectful? · Does the doctor explain the meaning of difficult terms and otherwise communicate effectively with you? · Does the doctor spend enough time with you? · Are you comfortable with this doctor?

Finding the right family practitioner may seem like a long, involved process; however, knowing that this doctor may partner with you for a lifetime makes it worth your time and effort.

Important Points Before Choosing a Family Practitioner ■ You’re comfortable talking to the doctor.

■ The doctor answers all your questions.

■ The doctor explains things so that you can understand ■ You had enough time to ask all your questions

How-To:

Choose the Right Tire The tires on your vehicle can affect your safety and your driving enjoyment. Choose tires that match both your vehicle and the way you drive.

HOW MANY TIRES DO I NEED? All four tires should be identical. If your tires don’t match, you could have handling problems.

For instance, one end of your vehicle may not respond as quickly or completely as the other end, making the vehicle more difficult to control.

If you just need to replace one tire that has been damaged, replace it with a tire of the same brand type, size and speed rating. A tire that doesn’t match the other three tires on your vehicle could affect your driving safety.

If you need to replace two tires and the remaining two have a lot of tread depth left, replace them with tires that match your existing set as closely as possible. Identical new tires are best but others of the same size and type can also provide good results.

SHOULD I BUY A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TIRE? If you are replacing all four tires, you can explore another category of tires. If you want longer lasting tires, better traction or a smoother ride, there are tires that will help you accomplish this.

WHAT SIZE OF TIRE DO I NEED? Tires must be able to carry the weight of your vehicle. If a tire is overworked just carrying the load, it will have little reserve capacity to help your vehicle respond quickly and safely. Do not buy undersized tires.

Check your owner’s manual, vehicle door jam or glovebox, to find the size of tire recommended for your vehicle.

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The other size consideration is overall tire diameter. For cars and vans, stay within a +/-3% diameter change. Pick-ups and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are usually engineered to handle up to a 15% oversized tire.

WHAT WEATHER AND DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL THE TIRES FACE? Select a tire that suits the driving conditions you face most often: — Snow or ice: snow tires — Heavy traffic: more responsive tires — Winding roads or in the mountains: a tire that handles well — Extensive highway driving: tires with a smooth, quiet ride If you face very different driving conditions (heavy snow in the winter and lots of highway driving in the summer), consider selecting two sets of tires. You’ll get better driving performance and longer total wear from your tires.

WHAT KIND OF “LOOK” DO I WANT?

SUPPORT THE VEHICLE A car tire has to carry more than 50 times its own weight.

ABSORBS BUMPS The flexibility of a tire helps it absorb obstacles on uneven road surfaces and provides a stable ride for the driver and passengers while

TRANSMITS FORCES protecting the vehicle.

Tires transmit the engine’s power to accelerate and the braking force to stop.

How well the tire performs these functions depends in part on how well the tire is maintained.

Important Points

Think about whether you’re happy with standard tires or you want the added flair of custom wheels or plus sizing.

■ P195/75R14 92H

HOW CAN I FIND THE BEST VALUE?

■ P195/75R14 92H

Simple fact: In the long run, cheap tires won’t save you money. They don’t last as long as higher quality tires and may result in a rougher ride and inferior handling.

Your goal in tire shopping should be to find the highest quality tire that meets your specific needs and your budget.

A tire has several important functions:

STEERS THE VEHICLE A tire’s ability to maintain its course affects the vehicle’s ability to drive in a straight path. The tire has to help the vehicle steer regardless of road and weather conditions.

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

The “P” stands for “passenger” tire. Tires for light trucks may be marked with ‘LT” This is the width of an inflated tire (mm) at it’s widest point.

■ P195/75R14 92H The aspect ratios the relationship of the height to the width.

■ P195/75R14 92H “R” stands for “radial”, indicating the tire has radial construction.

■ P195/75R14 92H The diameter of the wheel in inches.

■ P195/75R14 92H The load index corresponds with the load-carrying capacity of the tire. Most passenger car tires range from 75-105.

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CHOICE

How-To:

Choose a Cremation Service Cremation services hold an ever-increasing percentage of the funeral market. The cremation process is efficient and cost-effective, and easily coordinated with a cremation service. For a family grieving the loss of a loved one, decisions and detail work can be over whelming. Cremation service is simple, requiring few decisions.

Cremation services cost less than other funeral services, freeing a family from unnecessary financial burdens.

Cremation may follow a funeral service or occur before a memorial service. Families can decide whether to have a traditional casket service else where before cremation. Conversely, a family may want to proceed with cremation and then hold a memorial service during which the urn is placed on a table display. The urn is often accompanied by a picture of the departed and a spray of flowers.

Preplanning a cremation service is a particularly graceful gift one gives to the family, expressing consideration for them.

may become part of the Memorial Reef. Cemeteries are prepared for families who would like to place the urn at a gravesite. Special fixtures exist that allow families to do just that. If a family would like to keep the urn as a memorial, it is usually displayed on a mantle or small table accompanied by a picture of the loved one.

A cremation funeral service is similar to traditional casket services in most ways. A cremation service is a gracious way to honor a loved one, and the cremation cost does not impose any extraordinary burdens on a family.

Planning a cremation funeral service takes the level of planning that would go into any memorial service, and the results are a beautiful memorial that captures the love and respect that the family intends.

After the funeral and cremation services, families may choose to scatter the remains, place the urn in a gravesite or columbarium, or retain the urn. A cremation service necessitates some element of decision on the family’s part in this regard. Ashes may be scattered at sea off the side of a boat. When families scatter at sea, they often scatter flower petals on the water.

Alternatively, cremated remains

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2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

Why Choose Cremation: ■ Personal philosophy ■ Environmental philosophy ■ Economy ■ Simplicity or Convenience

How-To:

Preplan Your Funeral Arrangement In today’s hectic world, we plan for every kind of event that will affect us. We buy insurance for our home, health and death, however, many people are uncomfortable with the idea of planning their own final arrangements.

The first step is talking with industry professionals and finding one who can help you with the process. These Pre-planning your own final professionals arrangements makes sense. can guide you Everyone is going to need the serthrough the vices of a funeral home and cemedecisions that tery eventually and setting out your must be made wishes in advance ensures your when planning requests are known to your family a funeral. Some Another advantage of preand helps them through this painful funeral directors have printed inforplanning your final arrangements time. It’s never easy thinking about mation with a list of topics to conis considering how to pay for it. your own death, but learning about sider when planning and space to Prices for funerals can be high with all your options in advance and record your wishes. a national average coming in at coping with them ahead of time is approximately $7,000. easier.

Some of the topics to consider include: visitation, type of service To ease the burden on family (for example, religious or military); members later, you can pay for the type, color and style of the casket • Making arrangements in or burial container; location of cem- event in advance . With this option, you pay for the final arrangements advance can simplify the etery space; selection of memorials; at today’s prices and freeze the cost. choice of music; and the selection of process. any special readings. Many people Another options is using life choose to personalize the service to insurance. If you use life insurance • Make sure your loved reflect their personality. This can be funding, you can receive tax-advanones know your wishes. expressed through location of the taged protections against the risk of service or the type of music played. sudden, unforeseen death.

Additional information may Many people are unaware of the include important details for family huge amount of decisions that must members such as medical history, be made while planning their final estate information, banking inforarrangements because they rarely mation, real estate holdings, insurmake these types of decisions. Some ance policies and will information. experts say on average 50 decisions must be made when arranging any Consider talking with family funeral. members when pre-planning so they will understand your wishes Making arrangements in advance and help you make decisions. can simplify the process.

While pre-planning, look into the flexibility of the plan. Some plans can be transferred to another funeral home and cemetery if you relocate to another area.

Finally, make sure your loved ones know your wishes and where documentation of the pre-planned arrangement is located so they can use it.

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How-To: Choose an Urgent Care Facility Although there are times when emergency care is not what is needed, until recently the only option available on weekends and during extended hours has been just that. With the emergence of more and more urgent care facilities, the healthcare gap between primary care and emergency care is being filled, and patients now have an additional treatment option for non-emergency illnesses and injuries when they can’t get an appointment with their primary physician.

By design, urgent care facilities are equipped to treat the urgent needs of a patient, as opposed to emergency needs that are treated at the emergency room. These facilities cater to many of the same types of problems as your primary

Important points when choosing an Urgent Care ■ Determine whether or not they accept your insurance.

■ Understand what type of providers work at the urgent care center.

■ See if their hours of operation work for your schedule.

■ Ask if they perform the specific treatment, test or service you are looking for.

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care physician, and although they are not meant to replace the role of your primary care physician, they are a great resource when you are unable to get an appointment quickly or the need arises after your physician’s normal office hours.

In addition to the various symptoms treated and services provided at urgent care centers, there are a host of other benefits they can provide. These facilities typically have shorter wait times than emergency room settings.

Urgent care centers are also typically centrally located in the communities that they service. In addition, there is generally less expense involved with urgent care facilities than those associated with emergency room visits. Each of these characteristics make urgent care a popular option for non-emergency care.

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

It is always a good idea to do research before choosing the right urgent care facility for you and your family. In addition to knowing the types of insurance accepted at each facility, it is important to know if they treat children; if an appointment is required; what services are offered; types of issues treated, ETC. Knowing options ahead of time can help you get the right care while at the same time saving time and money.

It is especially important to understand that if you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should dial 9-1-1 for assistance or visit the nearest emergency department; otherwise, urgent care centers are a growing option that fills the void for many patients who are unable to get in to see their primary physician for diagnosis or care of non-emergency conditions.

How-To:

Choose a Real Estate Company Choosing a real estate company is a key element in a successful real estate transaction. The largest single financial transaction that a family makes is often the purchase or sale of the family home. The importance of that real estate transaction cannot be minimized. The assistance of a competent real estate company can go a long way towards making this most significant purchase a smooth and happy one. Deciding how to proceed when you decide to buy or sell real property should be a result of careful consideration.

The language of real estate may seem like a foreign language to novice buyers and sellers. The details of the transaction can seem complicated for any buyer or seller.

While there is no requirement that a buyer or seller utilize the services of a real estate company, most novice and seasoned buyers and sellers feel more comfortable taking advantage of the expertise of licensed real estate professionals. The services of attorneys, accountants, engineers and home inspectors can all contribute to a successful real estate transaction.

Normally, the Real Estate Commission of individual states exists to protect the public by insuring that real estate licensees meet certain minimum standards of education, examination and experience before being allowed to practice their craft. Brokers are subject to disciplinary action and even revocation of their real estate licenses for failure to comply with the Real Estate Commission’s rules.

Choosing a real estate company is a subjective process. Certain criteria should

Important Tips when choosing a Real Estate co.

■ Look for firms with local

agents ■ Experience in the area is a big plus ■ Choose a firm that displays concern about your needs.

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be established in your search to assist you in achieving your goals for any real estate transaction. If you have experience in single-family home purchases, you might be comfortable with a company with general residential knowledge and experience rather than a specialization.

It is good practice to consider more than one company when you do not have the advantage of a successful track record with a company or when a different or more complex type of transaction is intended.

Friends and neighbors are a good starting point for recommendations both pro and con for individual licensees. One good or bad report on a licensee is only the first step in sizing up potential brokerage assistance.

You should follow up with more opinions whenever possible.

Even though it is easy to become bombarded with the hundreds of advertisements that pop up about real estate companies, it is possible to find a reputable real estate company to handle any transaction that you might have in mind.

Tips to consider when choosing a real estate company

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE The quest to find a real estate company to handle your transaction should consider the years of experience the people and the company has behind its name. However, don’t just look at the number of years that they have been performing as a real estate company. You will need to also check any possible reviews about the type of services they have handled. This will help you to see just how much experience they really have and also if they are a reputable firm when dealing with clients.

LOCAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY A nationally recognized company can be the way to go especially if the franchise is owned by a local agent with years of experience in the community. This way out of town buyers can relate to a company name they know and trust.

How-To:

Maximize Your Advertising Budget Reaching consumers in the world of media is a continual challenge for many advertisers.

The abundance of resources has overwhelmed and divided business owners who need to sell harder and smarter now more than ever to increase brand awareness and market share. It may seem like the only way to reach your audience is to advertise in everything available, but there are critical factors to consider when executing a marketing plan.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

A crucial part of any marketing campaign is audience, and the measure of a medium’s effectiveness includes it’s ability to reach a targeted audience. To develop an effective plan business owners should brand their message to the largest number of consumers. To do so, it is important to gather data for each advertising medium and plan accordingly.

CIRCULATION

Newspapers report circulation numbers annually. These are audited by independent bodies such as the Audit Bureau of Circulations to assure advertisers that the newspaper does indeed

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reach the number of people noted.

Simply stated, circulation is the number of newspapers printed on an average day and audited by an independent organization for accuracy.

READERSHIP

Equally important to newsprint advertisers is readership. These gures rank higher than circulation because on average one newspaper is read by 2.4 consumers.

Knowing exactly how much of your audience is covered by each medium is critical and necessary in order to effectively manage your budget and grow your bo�om line.

when it comes to reaching the audience of choice.

Frequency is another key element to the right advertising campaign.

The best option to build top of mind awareness, or being in the forefront of consumers mind for the moment they are in the market for your product, is to remind them as often as possible of your brand. Newspapers allow business owners the exibility of top of mind awareness with daily or weekly publications.

Considering these important factors when planning your advertising budget will help ensure the most value for your investent.

REACH & FREQUENCY

A successful marketing strategy includes media that reaches the right target audience the most often. According to a recent study, 169 million Americans read a newspaper in a month, whether it be in print or digital format, for a total of 69% of the U.S. population.

(Nielsen Scarborough) Readers are most likely to be college graduates who are heavily involved in their communities with higher income levels who prefer to shop local.

This makes the local community newspaper a preferred media

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record

Top Reasons to Advertise in Newspapers ■ Newspapers are an interactive advertising medium that people hold, save, write on or cut from.

■ With short deadlines, newspaper advertising can be tailored for immediacy.

■ Newspapers are portable and convenient.

■ Newspaper advertising builds business credibility and momentum.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE

YOUR #1 MEDIA SOURCE IN PRINT AND ON EVERY DEVICE! The Alexander City Outlook | The Dadeville Record | The Wetumpka Herald The Tallassee Tribune | The Eclectic Observer | LAKE Magazine | Lake Martin Living

Websites | Digital Marketing | Video

548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 | 256.234.4281 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 alexcityoutlook.com | lakemagazine.life thewetumpkaherald.com | tallasseetribunecom | tpidigital.com

Don’t Forget, We’re On Mobile Too! You can find all the most recent breaking news stories from Tallapoosa County and the Lake Martin region right in your back pocket!

Visit us at www.alexcityoutlook.com

256.234.4281 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 16

2021 Consumer How-To Guide/The Alexander City Outlook & Dadeville Record