How-To Guide 2015

How-To Guide 2015 July 29 & 30, 2015

Consumer How-To Guide 2015 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald at no extra charge. Use of material without written consent of the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Š2015.

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How-To Guide

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

Protect your personal information In this digital age, it’s easier than ever for wouldbe thieves to steal and profit from your personal information. Credit card numbers can be stolen from online shopping sites, bank account information can be lifted from unsecured pay-by-phone or online services, and all it takes is an overheard phone conversation on a cell phone for social security numbers and other personal information to be acquired. However, while you may put extra effort into safeguarding your information from technological threats, don’t overlook the other ways to protect your valuable information. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

Maintain a paper trail - Keep a copy of all your important documents locked up in a safe place, like a safe-deposit box or personal safe at home. This includes the contents of your wallet (go ahead, dump it all on a copy machine and photocopy both sides of every card you have), passport, birth certificate, marriage license, etc. It’s much easier to replace these documents if you know what you had on hand and the account and phone numbers to call if you have to cancel cards or accounts.

Check safety - With debit cards and credit cards a favorite for paying bills and more, you may wonder if paper checks are even used anymore.

They are, and you should maintain a level of caution when ordering and designing your checks.

The next time you place an order, only have your initials put on the check. This way, if your checks are stolen, the crook will not know how you sign your checks - but your bank will. Also, see if you can forgo the address and phone number inclusion on the checks. If not, put a P.O. box or your work/ cell number on them instead. Never print your social security number on the check. This way, a thief will not have access to your account number, address, name and phone number. The less puzzle pieces he has to put together, the less likely he’ll be able to do anything adverse against your identity.

Securing credit cards - When writing out

checks to pay your credit card bills, or when referencing your account over the phone, etc., use only the last four digits of the account number.

The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check or account will not have access to your full number. Also, don’t sign the back of your credit cards because, if they are stolen, a thief will know what your signature looks like and can practice replicating it. Rather, place the words “Photo ID Required,” which will prompt retail merchants to ask for a photo ID in order to complete the purchase process. If a cashier fails to look on the back of your card, alert him or her to this fact, and bring up the matter with a store manager.

Spread the word - If your wallet is stolen, be sure to cancel your cards immediately by reporting the theft to the respective credit card companies.

You should already have those numbers handy because you made a photocopy of the cards prior.

Also, immediately call the three national credit reporting organizations and place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This way, these organizations will know personal documents of yours were stolen and not hold any liens or unauthorized purchases against you. It’s also a good idea to file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your items were stolen. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent in reporting the theft, and is a first step toward an investigation being conducted.

Here are numbers to add to your phone book: · Equifax: (800) 525-6285 · Experian (888) 397-3742 · Trans Union (800) 680-7289 · Social Security Administration fraud line (800) 269-0271

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

How-To Guide

Nicollet County Bank

Serving the Community for over 130 Years!

220 South Third Street • Telephone 931-3310 • St. Peter

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How-To Guide

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

Stay cool with tips to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses In Minnesota, we’re accustomed to weather extremes. From below zero weather to a heat index of more than 100° degrees, we see it all over the course of the year. With numerous days over 90° this summer, it’s important to take the necessary precautions so you and your family members don’t feel the physical effects the heat can take on your body.

Extreme heat events have the ability to cause a number of health-related problems, which include an increase in deaths and nonfatal outcomes.

However, almost all heat-related problems can be prevented by taking the correct measures to ensure that you stay cool and hydrated. While heat can affect anyone, the populations that are the most at risk of extreme heat include children less than five years old, elderly (65 years or older), elderly living alone and the economically constrained (population at or below poverty level and the population at or below 200 percent of poverty level).

When the temperature reaches over the high 90s, heat-related illnesses become more likely. Heatrelated illnesses, like heat stroke or exhaustion, are caused when bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body cools itself by sweating, but under some conditions, like extreme heat, sweating isn’t enough. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, which prevents the body from releasing heat quickly. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, seizures, disorientation, rapid and strong pulse, profuse sweating, thirst and a moderate increase in body temperature.

The most important thing you can do for yourself to prevent heat-related illnesses is to stay cool and

hydrated. Follow the simple steps below to protect your health when the temperatures are extremely high: • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty fluids, especially water. If your physician limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, make sure to ask how much water you should drink while the weather is hot • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty before drinking fluids • Avoid drinking alcohol, drinks that are high in sugar and very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps • Stay cool by staying indoors, in an airconditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning or your home is hot, visit public buildings that are cool (libraries, malls) • Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach above 90° • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting clothing • Take a cool shower or bath • If you must be outside in the heat, limit outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours • Avoid strenuous exercise. If you must exercise, pace yourself and drink plenty of fluids • Rest often in the shade or in an air-conditioned building • Check on people who are more at risk to extreme heat. This includes children, pets, elderly and vulnerable people. Check on these individuals frequently and monitor them for signs or symptoms of heat illness. Do not leave children or pets in cars • Stay informed by watching the local weather report

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

How-To Guide

You make this region strong.

Because you know what matters most—family, friends, community.

It’s who you are. And it runs generations deep here.

It’s who we are too. We are your clinic. Committed to the health of this region.

Dedicated to caring for you and your family for generations.

Call 507-934-2325 to make your appointment.

Robert Gazzola, M.D. Family Practice

Susan Klenk, M.D. Family Practice

Jeffrey Weideman, PA-C Family Practice

Lon Knudson, M.D. Pediatrics

� mankatoclinic.com

Andrew Lundquist, D.P.M Foot and Ankle

Connie Meyer, MSW, LICSW Counseling

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How-To Guide

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

Choosing the right windows for your home 6 questions most window companies hope you’ll never ask

1. How long have you installed this particular brand of window?

Some companies change their brands often trying to find their own better deal leaving previously installed window customers without service and to deal with their own warranty issues. Since 1984, Schmidt Siding & Window Co. has had 3 window brands, two of which we still carry. We take great pride in being able to service the products we sell.

2. Will new replacement windows jeopardize the look of my home’s original windows?

Yes, if the replacement window frames reduce the glass area of the window. The Renewal by Andersen custom replacement window company uses a strong fibrex composition allowing for narrower framework, thus, maintaining the original glass appearance and integrity of your windows.

3. Can I see and operate a full-size window before I make my purchase?

To see, feel, lift, tilt and operate a full-size, fully operating window is what we always suggest to our prospective customers. We can demonstrate all of the different window styles - bay window, doublehung, glider, casement or patio door right in our state-of-the-art showroom. You can lift, slide, tilt open and close all of the units. It is always best to know exactly what you are getting before you buy. If you only look at a small sample during an in-home demonstration, you will not get the true experience of seeing an actual full-size window.

4. Does your warranty cover parts and labor?

Many warranties sound good until you dig a little deeper. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive service bill for a defective product. Make sure to find out the terms of the manufacturer’s written warranty, as well as the installation warranty. You will be able to tell if your installer has confidence in the products they carry.

5. Are your window efficiency ratings based on whole window performance?

Some window companies only include energy efficient glass or frames in their ratings. This means that the glass may be considered efficient, but the window’s overall performance as a whole might be poor.

6. Are your windows Green Seal certified?

Green Seal is a national non-profit environmental organization that helps consumers choose environmentally responsible products. Andersen Corporation is the first and only window manufacturer to receive Green Seal Certification, including certification of all Renewal by Andersen custom replacement windows.

Green Seal estimates that if all windows in the U.S. were as energy efficient as those made by Andersen, Americans would save up to 2.5 percent of the annual U.S. energy consumption - an estimated 200 gallons of oil for every household in the U.S.

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

How-To Guide

e xperience IS THE D ifference !

Serving Your Area for Over 66 BETWEEN YOU AND THE WEATHER SINCE 1949!

Years!

• 1949 Founder, Robert J. Schmidt begins selling siding, roofing and insulation in the Mankato area.

• 1968 Opened The Fireplace Shoppe at 505 N. Front St., Mankato.

• 1971 Moved to present location on 5th and Madison in Mankato.

• 1981 Gary Schmidt & Dale Brenke purchase company.

• 1981 Purchased our first seamless gutter machine.

• 1986 Purchased ABC Seamless Siding franchise.

• 1988 Closed Fireplace Shoppe to focus on siding and windows.

• 1989 First playhouse given away.

• 1989 Became the Gutter Helmet dealer.

901 North 5th Street Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-6412

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Over 500 Years of Combined Experience!

• 1994 First year included in Qualified Remodeling Magazine’s Top 500.

• 1997 Became the Renewal by Anderson Dealer.

• 2003 Jim Hockert & Steve Beetch become part owners.

• 2004 Selected into Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50.

• 2004 Began selling permanent steel roofing.

• 2005 Purchased and opened window and sunroom warehouse at 1307 3rd Ave. in Mankato.

• 2009 Named to Mankato Area Business Hall of Fame.

• 2011 “Above and Beyond” award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented by Gov Dayton and General McKinley.

www.schmidtmankato.com

1-877-625-6412

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How-To Guide

Wednesday, July 29 & Thursday, July 30, 2015

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