Archive for June, 2008
Retractable (schaub) Awnings Give You Choices
By Admin on June 29th, 2008
More info…
Do you have a well-furnished patio or deck? Do you like to barbeque and have dinner parties outside during the summer? You’ve made an investment in your exterior living space…Read more about Retractable Awnings
Updating Your Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen is the most used room in the house. At parties, guests seem almost magnetically drawn to the kitchen. This makes sense because that’s where the food and drinks…Read more about Work Triangles
Garage Home Office in 4 Easy Steps
Many employers now offer work-from-home days. This is appealing to most people until they realize that they are unable to concentrate or have privacy during the…Read all about
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Conservative Tests and Treatments
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a devastating injury that affects more than 8 million people in the United States and continues to increase each and every year.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of many repetitive strain injuries (RSI’s) that are everywhere; homes, offices, assembly lines, grocery stores, book clubs, construction sites, dental offices, everywhere! Because carpal tunnel syndrome is so commonplace, and its effects so devastating, it is important to be knowledgeable of how it occurs, what its symptoms are, the testing methods used and what treatment options are available, as the prevention of any injury, especially carpal tunnel, begins with education.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder affecting the median nerve, which supplies function to the thumb, index, middle and one half of the ring finger. Usually the symptoms are most prevalent in the thumb, index and middle fingers (Sometimes one-half of the ring finger) and include numbness, tingling, paresthesia (pins and needles), pain and tightness in the front of the hand, wrist and forearm. These symptoms do not have to occur simultaneously, and may only affect one finger one day and then three fingers a few days later.
If a doctor provides a carpal tunnel diagnoses and the symptoms are in the ring and little fingers, it is NOT carpal tunnel syndrome! The ulnar nerve, not the median nerve, supplies function to the ring and little finger. Repetitive strain disorders affecting these two fingers are usually either Guyon’s syndrome, entrapment of the ulnar nerve in the guyon’s canal at the wrist junction, or cubital tunnel syndrome, entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the elbow junction. This is a common mistake made by many, many physicians and is completely inexcusable as they often recommend surgery for the patient, causing the patient to undergo an unnecessary procedure, and what makes it worse, for the wrong disorder!
If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome do arise, doctors will recommend that a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test or an Electromoyogram (EMG) be performed to see if carpal tunnel syndrome truly exists. These tests are often painful to the individual being tested, very expensive, and often give false positives and false negatives. This is why it is recommended that manual carpal tunnel tests be performed in order to obtain a more accurate (and much cheaper) diagnosis. Manual carpal tunnel tests take no longer than 10 minutes, have a high accuracy rate, are painless and are very cheap in comparison to the NCV and EMG tests.
The recommended manual carpal tunnel tests consist of the following:
? Phalen’s Test: The wrist is flexed for 30 to 60 seconds in order to compress the median nerve and duplicate/increase the symptoms.
? Reverse Phalen’s Test: The wrist is extended for 30 to 60 seconds in order to stretch the median nerve and duplicate/increase the symptoms. Stretching the median nerve if it is already impinged will duplicate/increase the symptoms if a patient has carpal tunnel syndrome.
? Tinnel Sign: Tapping directly over the median nerve at the wrist junction will cause carpal tunnel symptoms to exhibit themselves.
? Compression Test: Direct pressure is applied over the location of the median nerve for 30-60 seconds to see if carpal tunnel symptoms are exhibited.
If a positive diagnosis comes back, most doctors will push for surgery, a procedure that has a terrible success rate and is to only be performed as a last resort once all other conservative treatment methods have been utilized. Conservative therapy is the key to successfully recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome and obtaining not only short-term but long-term relief as well.
The following is a list of conservative treatments that should be utilized in order to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from developing, but also rehabilitating carpal tunnel syndrome after it is already present.
? Ergonomics: Utilize proper ergonomic tools and equipment when working.
? Breaks: Take short breaks every 30 minutes when working in order to help reduce excessive strain on the hands.
? Stretches: Stretch the muscles that ‘close’ the hands as these are the muscles that are exercised all day long in activities such as typing, writing, gripping a steering wheel, using a computer mouse, carrying groceries and everything else that is done day in and day out. When a muscle is involved in exercise, it becomes shorter, therefore it needs to be stretched and lengthened both during and after the exercises are completed. (End of day)
? Exercises: Exercise and strengthen the muscles that are used to ‘open’ the hands, as these muscles do not receive much direct stimuli / exercise. (i.e. People do not turn doorknobs, hold things, type, use a computer mouse or lift things with the backs of their hands.)
The information provided above reveals how carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, what its symptoms are, the testing methods most commonly used and the best conservative treatment options that are used to thwart its existence.
It is very important for individuals to become well acquainted with the proper information and tools in order to maintain and increase their level of health and productivity. It is also important for people to speak to their doctors regarding their health concerns, and if someone is involved in an occupation that is considered high-risk for carpal tunnel, they should discuss this with their physician, but is even more critical that people become self educated as no one can take care of you better than “YOU”!
About the Author
Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is a Therapist and Inventor of Therapeutic Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world for the prevention and rehabilitation of repetitive strain injuries. repetitive-strain.com
Classic And Modern Luxury Faucets ? Bathroom
With today’s styles and colors, you can create a luxury bathroom that is uniquely your own. Create a centerpiece around the sink using a bold faucet from brands like Kohler. Any person can create luxury within their home. It doesn?t matter if it is an apartment, condo, town house, brownstone, duplex or a two level house, any one can create a luxurious atmosphere. What ever your personality or style is, your home should almost reflect that image.
In today’s modern world, the home has become more than just a place for people to live and store what they need. People are using their homes to express themselves, and remodeling has gotten more and more creative. Enhancing the look of a home, both indoor and out can help make a home more attractive and many people remodel to help their home jive with their own personalities. One of the most popular rooms to renovate (and increase a home’s value by the thousands) is the bathroom.
Renovating the sink is possibly the best place to start, as many people will use a bathroom and wash their hands but only the few that live there will actually take a shower or bath. Based on the look you are trying to achieve or your home’s current decor, you can revitalize your sink and counter with a faucet that mimics an antique or screams ultra-modern. Golden colored door knobs, a hot tub or Jacuzzi will add luxury to your bathroom. A bathroom with a view of the forest or a flower garden ads scenic luxury to your bathroom?a bathroom can be easily converted into a breath taking luxury bathroom suite.
If your home is older and it tends to have a more classic feel, you’ll want to go with faucets that are geared more towards this era. Kohler features a beautiful single hole faucet that creates a timeless look with a curved spigot and is available in brushed or polished gold, polished chrome, and brushed bronze. For a more modern feel, choose Kohler’s Bol Ceramic Faucet. You will love the mortar and pestle design as well as the way the water spills out the front like a waterfall.
No matter which theme you gravitate towards when remodeling, be sure that you choose a faucet that is long lasting and has adequate hardware. Once you make a decision, you and your guests can enjoy your brand new bathroom look for years to come.
About the Author:
Jena Luthowski writes about Home Remodel promo coupons, Ifloor Coupons and More Home Coupon Codes.
Curb Appeal
If you are in the buying or selling market of real estate, you have most likely
heard the buzz word “curb appeal”. What is it and why is it important?
First, lets start with what it is. Curb appeal is quite simply the rate of
attractiveness your home projects to viewers from the street. Why is this important?
As the definition states, it is the ultimate first impression. You may have
an immaculate, luxurious interior but without high curb appeal, few will bother
to step inside to see it. This is even more important when selling on your own
because you don’t have a realtor to hype the interior as worth a viewing. Is
it worth the trouble to invest, if you don’t have good curb appeal? The payback
value on exterior upgrades to your property range from 49% for landscaping improvements
to 62% for exterior home improvements, such as painting. Next to the kitchen
and bath, these are the highest payback ratios for home improvements and are
well worth the initial investment. In the order of highest payback value, we
have provided some tips to help you achieve higher curb appeal for your home:
Exterior Painting
Painting the exterior may appear daunting and not worth the effort, but research
shows that it results in the greatest return on time and money for exterior
improvements. As a guideline, when choosing color, a long and low house looks
most appealing with colours that emphasize vertical elements such as doors and
shutters, while taller more narrow homes should contrast its horizontal elements
likes fascias and gutters. Window boxes are a nice touch as well. If painting
is out of the questions, the bare minimum improvements should be to: Wash the
full exterior to clear it from dirt and cobwebs. Renting a high pressure washer
is best. Fix any loose, missing, or damaged shutters. Clean, paint, or replace
mailbox, doorknobs, and street numbers. Windows Especially with a freshly painted
or washed exterior, dirty windows will stand out like a sore thumb, and will
date them past their true age.
Tips for cleaning windows - Do not clean windows while they are in direct
sunlight. Your cleaning solution will dry too fast. Using a 100% cotton cleaning
cloth, dip the cloth in cleaning solution and wring out excess before wiping
the window to loosen dirt. Using a squeegee, start each stroke in a dry spot,
and squeegee in a pattern from top to bottom or side to side. If you are cleaning
the outside and inside of the window, alternate the pattern on each side (i.e.
top to bottom on the inside and side to side on the outside). This will make
it easier to identify which side any streaks are on. Keep your squeegee blade
dry by wiping it with a cleaning cloth between strokes. Nicks in the squeegee
blade will cause streaks. Replace when needed. If you do not have a squeegee,
newspaper will dry freshly washed windows, whereas papertowel or cotton will
leave lint behind. Cool clear water is the choice of solution by most professional
window washers. For very dirty windows, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar per gallon
of water.
Landscaping
Homeowners should plant colorful flowers along walkway leading to the door,
prune existing trees, shrubs and bushes, and add fresh mulch. Clean out dead
plants and weeds from flower beds and refresh with colorful plants and annuals.
Taller plants at the corners of your house will help anchor it with the landscape.
Shorter plants near your home’s entry bring attention to your front door. However,
this could have a negative impact if the front door is in need of repair (another
reason to rethink the exterior improvements noted previously). Last but most
definitely not least and probably most important, ensure your lawn is trimmed
and green. If you have a lawn in need of attention, you may want to consult
a landscaper for advice before trying to repair on your own.
Overall Appeal
Some further touches that will go along way to increasing the appeal of your
home from curbside are:
Outdoor lighting - Exterior lighting in your garden, walkway or entrance
area add a warmth and welcome feeling that will make a viewer want to see more.
Indoor lighting - While your house is on the market, leave lamps on
in 1 or 2 front rooms. It brings the home to life and, again, provides the same
warmth and welcome feeling as the exterior lighting. Exterior lighting alone
will not provide the appearance of a well loved, lived in home, like the combination
of exterior and interior lighting can.
Furniture - As long as the chairs are well kept and not cluttered looking
within the space, two chairs on a front porch provides a tremendous visual appeal
from the street. Buyers view the exterior as an extension of the home and will
want to view more. The best advice for creating great curb appeal, is to take
a walk through your favourite neighbourhood. Analyze what works really well
and what doesn’t. Then determine why and incorporate those items to fit your
own exterior. Most of all enjoy the outdoors and don’t get too overwhelmed by
the work at hand. February, 2004 - Xstream Realty Incorporated
If you are in the buying or selling market of real estate, you have most likely
heard the buzz word “curb appeal”. What is it and why is it important?
First, lets start with what it is. Curb appeal is quite simply the rate of
attractiveness your home projects to viewers from the street. Why is this important?
As the definition states, it is the ultimate first impression. You may have
an immaculate, luxurious interior but without high curb appeal, few will bother
to step inside to see it. This is even more important when selling on your own
because you don’t have a realtor to hype the interior as worth a viewing. Is
it worth the trouble to invest, if you don’t have good curb appeal? The payback
value on exterior upgrades to your property range from 49% for landscaping improvements
to 62% for exterior home improvements, such as painting. Next to the kitchen
and bath, these are the highest payback ratios for home improvements and are
well worth the initial investment. In the order of highest payback value, we
have provided some tips to help you achieve higher curb appeal for your home:
Exterior Painting
Painting the exterior may appear daunting and not worth the effort, but research
shows that it results in the greatest return on time and money for exterior
improvements. As a guideline, when choosing color, a long and low house looks
most appealing with colours that emphasize vertical elements such as doors and
shutters, while taller more narrow homes should contrast its horizontal elements
likes fascias and gutters. Window boxes are a nice touch as well. If painting
is out of the questions, the bare minimum improvements should be to: Wash the
full exterior to clear it from dirt and cobwebs. Renting a high pressure washer
is best. Fix any loose, missing, or damaged shutters. Clean, paint, or replace
mailbox, doorknobs, and street numbers. Windows Especially with a freshly painted
or washed exterior, dirty windows will stand out like a sore thumb, and will
date them past their true age.
Tips for cleaning windows - Do not clean windows while they are in direct
sunlight. Your cleaning solution will dry too fast. Using a 100% cotton cleaning
cloth, dip the cloth in cleaning solution and wring out excess before wiping
the window to loosen dirt. Using a squeegee, start each stroke in a dry spot,
and squeegee in a pattern from top to bottom or side to side. If you are cleaning
the outside and inside of the window, alternate the pattern on each side (i.e.
top to bottom on the inside and side to side on the outside). This will make
it easier to identify which side any streaks are on. Keep your squeegee blade
dry by wiping it with a cleaning cloth between strokes. Nicks in the squeegee
blade will cause streaks. Replace when needed. If you do not have a squeegee,
newspaper will dry freshly washed windows, whereas papertowel or cotton will
leave lint behind. Cool clear water is the choice of solution by most professional
window washers. For very dirty windows, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar per gallon
of water.
Landscaping
Homeowners should plant colorful flowers along walkway leading to the door,
prune existing trees, shrubs and bushes, and add fresh mulch. Clean out dead
plants and weeds from flower beds and refresh with colorful plants and annuals.
Taller plants at the corners of your house will help anchor it with the landscape.
Shorter plants near your home’s entry bring attention to your front door. However,
this could have a negative impact if the front door is in need of repair (another
reason to rethink the exterior improvements noted previously). Last but most
definitely not least and probably most important, ensure your lawn is trimmed
and green. If you have a lawn in need of attention, you may want to consult
a landscaper for advice before trying to repair on your own.
Overall Appeal
Some further touches that will go along way to increasing the appeal of your
home from curbside are:
Outdoor lighting - Exterior lighting in your garden, walkway or entrance
area add a warmth and welcome feeling that will make a viewer want to see more.
Indoor lighting - While your house is on the market, leave lamps on
in 1 or 2 front rooms. It brings the home to life and, again, provides the same
warmth and welcome feeling as the exterior lighting. Exterior lighting alone
will not provide the appearance of a well loved, lived in home, like the combination
of exterior and interior lighting can.
Furniture - As long as the chairs are well kept and not cluttered looking
within the space, two chairs on a front porch provides a tremendous visual appeal
from the street. Buyers view the exterior as an extension of the home and will
want to view more. The best advice for creating great curb appeal, is to take
a walk through your favourite neighbourhood. Analyze what works really well
and what doesn’t. Then determine why and incorporate those items to fit your
own exterior. Most of all enjoy the outdoors and don’t get too overwhelmed by
the work at hand. February, 2004 - Xstream Realty Incorporated
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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