With the latest buzz in the news being the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, questions are sweeping the nation and we all want to know how we are personally going to be affected by the legislation.  The citizens, our money and our businesses are all involved, but the lines are still a little blurry as to what extent the Act will influence the lives of millions of Americans. The most common questions prompted about the Act are concerning small businesses, quality of health care treatment and the total cost of our country to implement the new plan. Here are a list of pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act as we know it.

Small Businesses
Obamacare will impact small businesses in more ways than one and there are pros and cons for each. One benefit includes a tax credit eligible for up to 50 percent of the premium costs for their employee’s health insurance.  Many small businesses have a history of struggle in providing health benefits to their employees, so the tax credit will greatly help offset the cost for the business owner. The con, however, is that beginning in 2015, if the company employs over 50 workers, every employee must be offered health coverage. Because of this, some small businesses are cutting positions and employee hours, as the rule only applies to fulltime workers.

Quality Health Care
The Affordable Care Act has not gone over very positively with many workers in the healthcare fields, causing early retirement from some of the unhappy professionals. There is extensive pressure on the healthcare field to reduce costs of services to the public, increase patient volume and improve the quality of services, which some fear will have a negative impact on patient care, presenting a quantity versus quality approach to patient care. However, one benefit the Act will have on the healthcare field includes the production of new and updated healthcare facilities for patients and employees. Funded by the new law, new facilities are estimated to serve 4 million people within the next two years. In turn, this facility expansion will create more jobs in the medical field.

Cost of Act
It’s no secret that the U.S is in trouble with finances, having to continually manage debt with no clear path to overcoming the issue. Many concerns about the new plan are the costs we are paying to have this law implemented.  Obamacare is expected to cost $1.1 trillion over the span of ten years, but it is estimated to result in a $200 billion reduction in the debt ceiling over the next ten years. Since millions of Americans will now have health insurance, the health insurance companies will still be thriving.

Visit our website to learn more about our health and wellness services, and to schedule an appointment. 

Bees are one of the insects that tend to have a bad reputation among both children and adults, for various reasons. They can be pesty outdoors in the warm months, and the fact that they sting and can potentially cause allergic reactions for some, doesn't boost their likability. However, what most people do not realize is the vital importance bees have on our environment and food supply in the United States.

Bees are the greatest source of pollination in our environment, which aids in the growth of crops and natural food supplies. Farmers rely on bees as much as their own employees, as workers and suppliers. Without bees, the crop production could take a major hit, as well as the national economy, which is where U.S residents will see a critical drop in availability of various fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and markets.

The bee species have faced a disastrous situation over the past six years, with the spread of the Colony Collapse Disorder. This disease affected as many as 10m bee hives, resulting in a huge destruction to the species. The financial worth of bee colonies to the nation’s economy is around $50bn annually. Without pollination from the bees, the environment and the economy are negatively affected. There is little history behind the disease that is currently affecting bees, and it is unknown how long the plague will last.

Here’s how it works: when bees pollinate crops, they return to their hives with contaminated pollen as a result of pesticides and other chemicals applied to the crops. The contaminated pollen spreads throughout the hives and to other local colonies, affecting the bees, resulting in a drop in honey production and pollination. Another aspect of the Colony Collapse Disorder is that the contaminated pollen can make bees susceptible to parasites and weaken their immune system, which also results in a lower, and sometimes non-existent, production of honey. 

Along with crops, bees also pollinate many species of flowers. At the same time, bees need the nectar from the flower to nourish babies in the bee colony. Without the flower and bee partnership , the extinction of flower species, as well as the decline in the bee colonies, could begin a domino effect which would impact the entire ecosystem. In order to keep bee colonies and crop production on the rise, it’s important to do our part to keep the bees alive and reproducing. 

One company that is dedicated to the preservation of bees and bee colonies is MAD Scientist and Associates in Columbus, Ohio. They are also dedicated to providing expertise in wetland science, ecological site characterization and environmental impact assessment. For questions regarding the environmental compliance process or to hear more about their services, visit their website for more information. 

 

Cancer is a condition that everyone is born with; we all have cancer cells inside our body. The body’s ability to fight them determines whether or not a person will become diagnosed with cancer and in which area of the body. While there has been no proven medication that can cure cancer among today’s modern medicines, there are medications you can take to help keep your body strong and reduce your risk of cancerous cells flaring up and affecting one or more parts of your body.

A strong immune system is critical to fight off any medical condition, but it can also play a part in reducing the opportunity for cancer. It’s also important to have a strong immune system if you are currently battling cancer. The fight is tough, so making it easier on your body in as many ways possible will help your strength along the way. There is an immune modulator medication called Immune Force that has shown positive results when tested. It is a comprehensive medication focused on building the immune system in cancer patients or in people who have a low immune system.

Another supplement that can aid in the fight against or prevention of cancer is a pH adjusting medication. Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment, so consuming fresh fruits and vegetables that contain little or no acid, and cutting out sugary and acidic foods, should help the process as well. However, since that is difficult to do, a pH increasing supplement is a good choice. There are many pH supplements available, it’s best to consult your medical doctor to see which is most suitable for your medical situation.

A medication that can increase your cellular oxygen levels can aid in the defeat of cancer. When a cell is denied essential oxygen levels the cancer forms inside the body. Getting as much oxygen as possible into the body’s cells is a good way to prevent the spread of cancer to another part of the body. There are a few oxygen enhancing medications, and it’s best to consult your physician to see which will be most beneficial for your condition.

As stated above, it’s best to consult with your doctor to evaluate your medical situation and to see which of these methods will work best. At Columbus Clinical Research, we are constantly testing new medications to aid in the advancement of medical treatment and medications. Thanks to our volunteers, we are able to produce new medications for a variety of medical conditions that are now available to patients. To discover how you can make your mark on medical history, visit our website and apply to volunteer in a clinical study, www.columbusclinical.com. 

With the Columbus, Ohio weather rapidly changing, leaves turning and temperature dropping, it’s time to prepare for the cold winter ahead. There is nothing worse than losing heat in the dead of winter, so prepare your HVAC unit now, and save time and money in the long run. Here are a few items you should check off of your fall HVAC checklist to ensure your home is prepared to handle the upcoming winter weather.

Furnace Inspection

Having your furnace inspected during fall can prevent any problems during winter. A certified HVAC specialist should be checking the filter for replacement if needed, and checking your furnace’s efficiency and performance.  

Seal Openings

A draft is the simplest way to waste money this fall and winter. With cool temperatures making their way in, and your warm heat leaking out, your furnace will constantly be running, racking up your energy bill. Caulking around windows and doors will keep your heat inside and give your furnace a break every so often. Tip: To check for drafty areas, hold a lighted candle up to the window and door frames. If there is a draft, the flame will flicker.

Programmable Thermostat

If you are not using a programmable thermostat, that is one of the most important purchases you should make this fall. They conserve energy by storing different times in which your furnace should click on and off. For example, it could run at a lower temperature during night time or when you are out of the house. You can program it to turn on 30 minutes before you come home so it’s warm and cozy. If your furnace is not running at ideal heat throughout the day, it can conserve both energy costs and the life of your furnace.

Following these fall HVAC tips will save you money and conserve energy in preparation for the winter season. If you’re looking for the best HVAC technicians in Columbus to service your furnace this fall, the choice is Atlas Butler Heating and Cooling. As a leader in the industry, Atlas Butler’s experienced technicians are knowledgeable and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for all of your heating and cooling needs. For a list of products and services, visit the website at www.atlasbutler.com.

Some people may agree that the dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in the home. Compared to hand washing dishes after every meal, the dishwasher can hold a few meals worth of dishes, and does all of the work for you- washing AND drying. One thing people may not realize, however, is that the old fashioned way to dish washing is one of the most un-efficient ways to conserve resources in the home. Here are some ways that dishwashers compare in water use and efficiency in relation to the traditional hand washing method.

Typically, a dishwasher can run a full cycle using anywhere from three to four gallons of water. Now, think of how much water is actually used hand washing dishes. The average hand washing method can use anywhere from sixteen to twenty five gallons of water per meal. The greatest issue with hand washing is that the tap is generally left running during the entire wash period, wasting a great amount of running water. The dishwasher method can clean the same amount of dishes at one time, or sometimes more, and conserve about 70 percent of the water used for the traditional hand washing method.

Not only do dishwashers use less water for each clean, most dishwashers purchased in the last 20 years have energy efficient functions. There are many different options that can help conserve energy based on your washing needs. There are also some things you can do manually to conserve energy.

No Pre-rinsing

Only scrape food off dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers and detergent are powerful enough to rinse all food particles from the dishes during the wash. Save the tap water, no pre-rinsing required.

No excess soap

Only use the directed amount of detergent per wash as listed on the manufacturer’s package. Overloading the soap compartment with excess detergent wastes the soap as well as water to do the extra rinsing.

Air dry

To conserve even more energy, use your dishwasher’s air dry option rather than going through the heat cycle dry.  Use a little elbow grease and hand dry with a towel if needed once the wash is complete.

If you follow these tips to conserve energy, plus wash your dishes with an energy star appliance, you can be sure you are doing your part to be energy efficient in your kitchen. To see if your dishwasher is efficient, call on the Columbus plumbers at Crawford Mechanical services. Our knowledgeable technicians can come inspect your appliances and offer tips and suggestions for maximizing your home’s energy efficiency. Visit our website for more information: www.crawfordmech.com.

Painting a bathroom is no different than painting any other room. You may start by cleaning the walls, stripping wall coverings, patching nail holes, and taping around appliances and baseboards. Those steps are universal to prepare for a painting project, however, one thing will change based on the type of room. That change is, paint type. Based on different rooms and the use of each, different types of paint will work better than others. Here are a few types of paint recommended for use in the bathroom.

1.       Bathroom Paint

Outside of regular interior paint and finishes is specifically bathroom paint. The paint itself has an aspect that fights against mold and mildew, which can be highly beneficial in a bathroom setting with excessive steam and moisture in the air. Bathroom paint is not necessary in every bathroom; however, if the room has had previous issues with moisture and mold, it is a good idea to consider this paint with mold inhibitors.

2.       Semi- Gloss finish

The most traditional interior paint finish is the eggshell finish. It is not as dull as a flat finish but not as shiny as a gloss based finish. That is where semi- gloss comes in. This finish is ideal for bathroom use because the glossy finish makes it easy to wipe down with water without leaving a moisture path or removing the finish. Generally, stains or drops don’t soak into the semi-gloss finish such as flat or eggshell, which make it really convenient for maintenance issues.

3.       High Gloss Finish

For an extra-tough moisture repellant without using specifically Bathroom Paint, the best choice is an interior paint with a high-gloss finish. The downside of high- gloss is that the result is exactly how it sounds, high gloss. Some people don’t prefer an entire room painted in this finish because it looks extremely shiny compared to a flat or eggshell finish. Mostly, high-gloss finishes are used on cabinetry and baseboards.

For your entire bathroom remodeling and updating needs, the choice is Dream Baths. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Dream Baths is a leader in the bathroom design and remodeling industry. We are a Consumer’s Choice Award winner and have a huge variety of bathroom décor and remodeling ideas. Visit our website to see everything we have to offer and let us create the bathroom of your dreams.

For many people, including gourmet food connoisseurs, the kitchen is considered the best room in the house. Its purpose’s include feeding the family, gathering for conversation and entertaining. Even back to the days where maids and servants cooked food for royal families and those in the social status hierarchy, the kitchen has always served the same purpose. However, back in those days, the chefs didn't have the modern day conveniences in the kitchen that we take advantage of today.

The modern appliances that make kitchen life much simpler include a stove, refrigerator and dishwasher, among other things. The first ever stove invention recorded was in Alsace, France in 1490. It is claimed to have been made of bricks and tiles. However, the more modern invention of the stove is credited to Benjamin Franklin, who invented the iron “Franklin Stove” sometime during his life from 1706-1790.

For the refrigerator, there are writings recorded from all over the world that that food was packed with ice and snow brought down from the mountains, or stored in icehouses during warmer temperatures.  As far as the common refrigerator goes, French inventor Carl von Linde created the first refrigeration process by liquefying gasses in large quantities to keep food cool. He received the patent for the refrigerator in 1877 from the German Imperial Patent Office.

The dishwasher is often named one of the most convenient appliances in kitchens today. We can thank Josephine Cochran for that. She invented the first workable dishwasher, and was one of the first female inventors to go along with it. In 1886 she received the patent, and in 1893 she presented her invention at the World’s Fair in Chicago, IL and from then, had started quite possibly the biggest kitchen appliance chain in the world, Kitchen Aid. It wasn't until the 1950’s that her invention grew nationally and became a residential necessity.

Appliances have come a long way since the inventions were first patented, and they are constantly changing with new technology and resources available. Kitchen Kraft, a full service design and remodeling firm located in Columbus, Ohio carries only the highest quality kitchen appliances for your next kitchen remodel. Contact us today to hear about our products and services, and view our photo gallery on our website. 

Taking care of a wood floor in your home requires some diligence and commitment because wood is a natural product. Unlink vinyl or laminate flooring; wood floor can react to outside effects such as weather, moisture and other factors that can cause negative results in the overall appearance and usability of the floor. One common side effect of wood floor reacting to conditions is buckling. Here are some tips to consider if you are dealing with a buckled wood floor.

One reason wood floor buckles is because of its reaction to excessive moisture. When wood is directly affected with moisture and high heat, it causes it to expand, and shrink in cold conditions, which results in buckling and uneven surfaces. Humidity could also be another condition affecting the floor.  To pull humidity from the air inside your home, consider using a dehumidifier. It can take a little longer to see results but it keeps humidity regulated indoors no matter what the weather is like outdoors.

Buckling is also a result of water damage caused by a sink, leaking pipes or flooding. However, unlike humidity, excessive water is easily apparent and can be fixed quicker than trying to regulate humidity. The first way to address the issue is to identify the root of the problem. If you can recognize where the water is coming from, you may be able to save the flooring before too much damage is done and the sub-floor is penetrated. In the case that the sub-floor is not damaged, using towels or a vacuum to clear the water may be enough to prevent buckling. Using a box fan to dry the affected area is a good idea to dry excess moisture from the wood’s surface. However, if water has built up on the wood for an extended period of time, it most likely penetrated deep enough to cause swelling and buckling beyond surface repair.

If your wood floor is buckled, it is best to take extra precaution and not attempt to treat it on your own. Wood floor repair and installation and requires professional expertise to ensure it is done correctly. For all of your woodworking and custom millwork needs, the choice is Capital City Millwork. Visit our website, columbusmillwork.com, to view a gallery of our projects and to discover all of our custom hardwood flooring and Millwork options available.

When tending to potted plants and gardens, people may think soil is a general element that goes along with gardening and landscape, however the details are much more complex. When caring for a garden, it’s important to know the different variations of soil to best determine which will have the greatest impact on your horticultural efforts.

                Two of the most common, and confused, types of soil are topsoil and potting soil. While both have an important presence in gardening, it’s important to use each in its desired atmosphere to ensure the greatest development and growth. Just as it sounds, topsoil is the top layer of soil in a garden or flower bed. It is high in plant nutrients because it is comprised of decomposed leaves, grass clippings, and plant stems that give it many organic nutrients vital for plant growth. However, the word “top” is the key. Topsoil should only remain on the top, or outer, layer of a garden, and through environmental changes, it will combine with other layers of soil. Because topsoil is often a more compact type of soil, if placed in a tight or compressed place, such as a flower pot, it may cause drainage issues. Topsoil is often not aerated enough to allow plants to develop fully in a confined space, so it is best to keep top soil just on the bed of a garden where it is spread as a thin layer over other soil. Here are some more great benefits of using topsoil.

                On the other hand, potting soil is generally used in tight, confined spaces such as flower pots and planters, as indicated in its name. Potting soil tends to retain water and moisture better than topsoil which is one reason it is ideal for potted plants that may receive less water than an outdoor garden. Potting soil does not generally have as many organic nutrients as topsoil which makes it less successful for large outdoor area use. But, for individual planters or small flower pots, potting soil is an efficient product for a sustainable plant environment.

Whether you’re looking for topsoil, gravel, sand, limestone or SoilPlus, contact Jones Topsoil in Columbus, Ohio. We deliver our products right to your home and can help you decide which lawn care products are best for your outdoor lawn and garden needs.  Visit our website, jonestopsoil.com for a list of our products and services.

There are few things more annoying than dealing with pests inside the home. Your home is your place of comfort and relaxation, and it is certainly not a hotel for pests and other insects. Evicting pests from your home can be a simple process if the right methods are used. Often times, people refer to harsh chemicals and poison to clear their home of pests. However, the chemicals can be harmful to the air in your home, and most pests do play an important role in our environment. But, invading your home isn't one of them. Here are some tips to follow to naturally deter pests from entering your home.

Spiders

Spiders are among the creepiest types of pests that find a dwelling place in your home. But, one thing is certain; spiders do not like citrus fruits. Applying orange oil around window sills, door frames and small areas where spiders can enter your home will deter them from even considering inviting themselves inside. Any places that are dark and damp, such as under cabinets and inside closets, are most appealing to spiders. So, keeping those places clean and dry should help eliminate any potential issues.

Ants

Much like spiders, ants invite themselves inside to feast on tasty food and edible particles around the house. Using strong spices such as cloves, sage, peppermint, cayenne pepper and chili pepper sprinkled around problem areas should deter ants. They strongly dislike the scents of the spices listed above, so storing some in old socks and placing them inside cabinets and other small areas where ants typically reside, should reduce the infestation ants can produce. Ants are tiny enough to sneak through slight cracks between baseboards and walls, as well as small openings to the outside, so keeping those closed will keep ants from entering as well.

Flies

Flies are the most prevalent among the other pests listed above because they are more visible on a constant basis. Their loud buzzing and persistence about sharing our food can cause quite an annoyance. It’s important to be sure that all trash cans have lids, both indoors and out.  The smell of food is what initially attracts flies into the home, so keeping old or rotten food out of trash cans can help cut down the problem. They are also attracted to the smell of fresh fruit, so keeping fruit in the refrigerator or in a cloth bag will prevent fly access.

Using these natural pest controls should aid in keeping them out of your home, but for the most comprehensive evacuation and prevention methods, call on the professionals at Varment Guard in Columbus, Ohio.  Varment Guard pest control services takes control of your current situation and protects your home and yard against other pests. From bed bugs and cockroaches to wasps and raccoons, no pest is too big or too small for the experts at Varment Guard. Visit their website for more pest control information prevention and services.