January 24, 2012 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Work on a Budget Before Buying Tiles

Even though you might be anxious to start your home renovations, stop and do up a budget first. It is the smart way to shop.

Let’s say you want to do your bathroom in some modern black and white tiles and you like the look of marble. You’d love the most elegant tiles, but before you call a Tampa flooring contractor, figure out a budget. While you may adore marble, it may not be something your budget can handle, in which case you will want to consider other alternatives.

There are so many styles of bathroom wall tiles on the market today, that even if you need to rule out something that is too expensive at the moment, you are bound to find something you love and can afford. If you are having trouble figuring out what would work in your home, when you call a Tampa flooring contractor, ask them for their recommendations. They have been in the business for many years and have done hundreds of bathrooms and kitchens. For sure they will have some great ideas that you can afford.

So let’s get back to the budget. You want to redo the bathroom, but do not want to go broke doing it. Figure out how much you are able to spend and then stick to the budget. Sure, it is always a good thing to have a bit extra, just in case. When you just pick a tile, assume you can pay for it and a then a problem crops up, you could be in a jam.

Once you have a price range in mind, you will need to decide if you are going to install it yourself or line up a Tampa flooring company. Either way, you will not have much of a problem choosing what you want, as the market is full of so many different choices – you could do a thousand bathrooms and still not have run out of choices. By the way, do not let anyone tell you that budget tiles are cheaply made and not durable. That is not the case. For instance, ceramic is a budget tile and it is not only waterproof and durable, but quite beautiful.

Start your search online and if you do not like what you find there, visit some tile stores. No matter what way you choose to shop, you are bound to find something that really makes your kitchen or bathroom look terrific.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

January 13, 2012 in Business, Business Articles by jferris

Polygel DVTCare System Can Improve Patient Compliance and Lessen Risk of DVT

Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis remains an issue for patients who are at high risk after surgeries or traumatic events. Sequential pneumatic compression devices are very useful in lessening the risk of DVT and blood clots. But these devices have limitations as many must be plugged in and are quite cumbersome when trying to move around operating rooms, hospital beds, and emergency rooms.

In the early 2000s, the American Venous Forum conducted a study showing how portable pneumatic compression devices helped improve compliance and, in time, would lessen the chances of DVT. As we enter into 2012, the latest in portable DVT care is the Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System. At the size of a book and one pound to carry in the over-the-shoulder case, the system is easy to use. Plus the battery works for 15 hours for single-leg therapy and 8 hours for dual-leg therapy.

So now when patients need to get out of bed, get transferred from the OR or ER to their hospital room, patient compliance can improve. The patient can wear it as he or she is getting radiographic studies, physical therapy, or other procedures. Compliance goes up, the device is easier to function in different settings, and the chances of DVT and blood clots goes down. As the study showed with a portable device, “…to be effective, they (devices) must be in use continuously; there is no effect that lasts beyond the time they are applied and functioning on the legs.”

Health care professionals will also have peace of mind that the functionality is the same as plug-in devices. The Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System has two segmented cuffs, wraps around the legs, and compresses veins to promote blood flow. The cuffs are comfortable and can be hand washed as needed.

As the previous American Venous Forum study showed, some medical professionals are concerned about the risk of bleeding in the early stages after an injury. Portable pneumatic compression devices can last for a long time and give everyone peace of mind that they are taking a proactive approach. And after a daylong worth of use, it can be plugged in and still used. Within 3.5 hours it is completely recharged again.

For the hospital setting, these devices can offer far more compliance than standard compression devices and thus are becoming more commonplace for doctors to prescribe. Portable devices can also be prescribed by the doctor for the home setting, as the system is made to be on the go.

To learn more about a Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System, pneumatic compression device, or Lymphedema boots, visit http://www.vascularprn.com/ or call 800.886.4331.

January 10, 2012 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Glass Tiles for the Kitchen Can Create a Whole New Look

Tired of how your kitchen looks and want to do something about it? Not sure what to do or where to start? Glass kitchen tiles are the in thing to do in kitchen design. They are easy to clean, maintain and very attractive. If you are worried about their durability, do not be as glass tiles last for years. They also make quite a statement and can make your kitchen more appealing.

Glass kitchen tiles are such a good choice because of their range of colors and styles and they can be applied to your walls, floors, the backsplash by the sink, and even be used as accents throughout the room. It is up to you what you like, but you will be absolutely delighted with the range of choices. If the heart of your home needs sprucing up, glass kitchen tiles may just be the answer to your dilemma.

You might not know this, but these tiles can be either porcelain or ceramic. This makes them ideal for domestic use, in particular as a decorative border or that backsplash you have always wanted. If you plan to do the floor though, those tiles need to be stronger in order to withstand high traffic.

Going to do this upgrade yourself or have a Tampa flooring contractor do it? Either way, the sizes you will likely want are 110 x 100 mm. However, having said that, it largely depends on what you like. Another favorite size is the rectangular tiles, which are 100 x 300 mm. Floor tiles are larger of course, and you can expect to find them anywhere from about 333 x 333 mm to 600 x 300 mm. Again, there are a plethora of sizes and styles, and all you need to do is choose what you like.
Speaking of style, most people choose a design and color that suits their furniture; something that either matches it or complements it. While that is what the vast majority of people do, you do not have to do that if you would prefer something completely different like a checkerboard pattern in black and white or an avant garde brick look in the living room. In other words, do what your intuition tells you to do and do not always follow what is in fashion. You are the one that has to live with your choices for years to come, so you need to love it.

Some people love country-style kitchens and will choose the appropriate kind of tile to achieve that look. For example, matt tiles look quite natural and add a certain quiet, charming elegance to a kitchen. Or, you may prefer a more modern look and want a style that says chic and trendy. The great thing about glass kitchen tiles is that there are no rules to follow. That is why homeowners really appreciate glass kitchen tiles for their versatility and attractiveness.

If you do not want to try and install tiles on your own, then make it a point to call a Tampa flooring contractor and ask them for their recommendations on how to change the interior of your kitchen. With the experience they have, you will love their ideas.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

December 23, 2011 in Business, Business Articles by jferris

Vascular PRN Offers New Portable DVT Pump to Medical Professionals

Vascular PRNSM now offers a new product for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) therapy. The Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System is an innovative way to prevent DVT in the lower extremities since it is portable. The lightweight, athrombic pump utilizes sequential compression to stimulate the veins and lessen the risk of blood clots.

“This is a very effective way for patients to continue to get the treatment they need, whether they are taking a walk, riding in a car, or on a long plane ride,” said Greg Grambor, president of Vascular PRN. “You can wear it like a shoulder bag, have your calf wraps on, and get therapy for the eight hours of battery time.”

The pump is about the size of a book and it has a variable pressure setting so that the pressure can be adjusted to the doctor’s prescription and patient comfort levels. The system comes with three chamber knee high wraps and is made in the United States.

“Doctors can say goodbye to SCDs that are heavy and can only hang on bed rails,” said Grambor. “These portable DVT systems are just as efficient in achieving blood flow in a patient’s legs.”

In the long-term care setting, the system allows the patient to walk or be taken in a wheelchair on trips for bathing, toileting, dining, and more without interrupting therapy.

The price for the portable Polygel Ca5 DVTCare System is also lower than a standard DVT pump. And after a patient uses up the eight hours of battery time for dual leg therapy, he or she can plug it into an outlet for continued, stationary use. The battery recharges in three hours.

Vascular PRN has decades of experience helping nursing homes, surgery centers and hospitals, managed care organizations, and other institutions with their DVT product needs. To learn more about a Sequential Compression Device, SCD boots, or Lymphedema boots visit http://www.vascularprn.com/ or call 800.886.4331.

To learn more about a Sequential Compression Device, SCD boots, or Lymphedema boots, visit http://www.vascularprn.com/ or call 800.886.4331.

December 20, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Hardwood Flooring Is Making a Comeback

Have you noticed the latest photo features in home magazines? Hardwood is front and center.

You might not like hardwood, and that is perfectly fine, as not everyone does. However, if it is something you would definitely consider when upgrading your interior floors, then you will be pleased to note that it is making another comeback. The nation has, once again, fallen in love with hardwood. Whether you know it or not, it is one of the oldest materials available for floors.

However, being old does not mean being blah – far from it. Today, hardwood is customized and detailed, much like buying a new car with options, and you can have pretty much anything you want. The benefits of hardwood? It is long lasting, durable, beautiful, easy to keep clean, and improves the value of your home.

What are the latest trends on the market? They are pretty exciting and will offer you a wide range of choices. For example, wider boards are all the rage and the advantage here is the ability to make a smaller room look bigger. The bigger boards are typically 3 ½ inches wide, as opposed to the usual industry standard of 2 ¼ inches, and this creates a nice, spacious looking room.

Try reclaimed exotic wood for your flooring. The beauty is timeless and the colors are rich and interesting. Additionally, exotic woods are in great demand because they are unique. However, in an ever green conscious world, consumers are starting to demand reclaimed exotic wood, instead of destroying threatened rainforests. Reclaimed wood also has a story; one that will make you feel proud of being green and making an environmentally sustainable flooring choice.

Another trend today is to choose the lighter tones in hardwood, and to ensure they are, like the exotic woods, reclaimed oak. You might not know this, but oak flooring comprises about half of the hardwood flooring industry. If you chose the reclaimed oak, you would have flooring that came from a shipping container, a barn or even an old gymnasium floor. Did you know that the reclaimed oak is tougher than newly harvested trees? This is because the material culled from old buildings used old-growth heartwood.

The whole idea when installing hardwood flooring is to make it look antique and this is a very popular trend to make the new look old. This is where vintage and weathered finishes are coming into play. There are a number of ways to make a new floor look old, such as hand-scraping or using an industrial press, but honestly, this is not something you want to try to do on your own. Check around and talk to contractors if this is the look you want.

Above all else, the leading choice of new flooring for most people is eco-friendly, so if you choose to upgrade your flooring, try the green options. It is a good thing to do and you can choose what is suited to your budget and still feel good about it.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

December 16, 2011 in Business, Business Articles by jferris

Nursing Home Mistakes Can Be Corrected With Early Intervention

Nursing home mistakes can hurt residents and a facility’s ability to be reimbursed by Medicare. And if nursing home abuse is discovered, it can void insurance coverage and often lead to a handful of lawsuits. Many nursing home workers put a lot of effort into their work and care for the livelihood of their residents. But it takes only one or a few mistakes to be in violation of the patient standard of care.

Patient abuse is the most severe violation, and can involve workers stealing from residents, withholding food, or other physical and emotional types of abuse. Pressure ulcers and wounds are the next most common mistake. Nursing home workers should document and take photos of any ulcers on admissions. This can help to have a baseline reference of how the patient came into the facility and what steps the nursing home staff can take to heal these conditions.

It can never be said enough that bandages must be checked. A recent lawsuit awarded $650,000 to a woman whose bandages were not checked for 11 days and once the site was checked, it was crawling with maggots. Medical professionals cannot ignore internal controls and patient complaints. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 16 percent of nursing home residents deal with decubitis ulcers. Innovative products such as the Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager can dramatically cut down the risk of developing decubitis ulcers. The Skin IQ is an electrically powered mattress coverlet that pulls moisture away from a patient’s skin and lowers the skin temperature to make them more comfortable. It costs about $6 a day versus a Low Air Loss mattress that is around $30 a day. For nursing home residents that are more immobile, this type of technology can be critical to lessening ulcers and the risk of patient liability.

Most pressure ulcers and wrongful death lawsuits stem from malnutrition and dehydration. Medical professionals at the nursing home must monitor each patient’s nutrition and watch out for weight loss. Also, patients must be monitored for issues regarding deep vein thrombosis and venous stasis ulcers. Compression therapy machines are affordable to rent and can help residents from having more severe issues. All these concerns should be addressed in each patient’s care plan; otherwise, lack of documentation can cause a nursing home to be liable for an injury or death.

Risk of falling is another area that nursing homes can improve on. Nursing homes must have initiatives to help residents stay mobile and have assistive devices as needed. Equally as important is the risk of residents wandering or escaping a facility. Insufficient staffing or ignoring internal procedures is no excuse for having a patient’s life in jeopardy. Nursing homes should take extra care in doing employee background checks to make sure they have the right staff on board and ensure that the ratio of residents to workers will help ensure the standard of care is upheld.

To learn more about the Skin IQ, and Vascular PRN’s other products such as Sequential Compression Devices, SCD boots, or Lymphedema boots, visit http://www.vascularprn.com/ or call 800.886.4331.

December 13, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Porches Are a Great Place for a Flooring Upgrade

When you upgrade the Tampa flooring in your home, do not forget the porch, if you have one. The inside and outside flooring should look pulled together.

Those who love porches will know they are an essential part of a home that is used for nice days to sit and admire the weather in sheltered comfort. Many also kick off their shoes before entering the house, so porches play an important role in keeping your home clean and presenting a welcoming ambiance to visitors. Trouble is, many people considering upgrading their Tampa flooring tend to forget all about the porch. The end result? Nice looking inside floors and porch flooring that has seen better days.

When it is time to do some remodeling or upgrading, why not consider tile, marble, hardwood or even carpet. The choices are endless and you can choose what best suits your living style. For instance, if you have animals, carpet is not the wisest choice, as you could be forever trying to get the grit out of it. On the other hand, tile is easy to sweep and clean, plus, no one gets their nails caught on it.

Let’s assume you have already decided to do something about your porch, but are not sure where to begin. One of the things to keep in mind when upgrading your porch flooring is the age of your home. Flooring that is historically representative of the era it is from can be a great choice. If you have a home built in 1949 with a porch, you may want to consider dark, rot resistant wood such as old-growth Cyprus or longleaf heart pine. If your home is even older, for example old enough to be on a registry, you will need to work with a Tampa flooring contractor to select the best impermeable lumber on the market.

What happens if you rip up the existing carpet or flooring on the porch to prep it for a new look and you find concrete? No worries. Yes, it is a bit difficult to work with, but not impossible. For instance, did you know you can paint or stain concrete and make it look simply smashing? You can also nail into concrete with the right materials too.

Slate is another good selection to upgrade your porch. However, be careful which variety you ultimately choose as some are slick when wet. The last thing you need is to fall on wet slate. If you like how it looks, opt for slate with a rough pattern for traction. Not into slate? Perhaps you would like tile instead. It is very popular right now and the options range from non-skid to frost and water resistant, and it is so easy to find a color scheme you will love.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

November 23, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Household by jferris

Various Marble Colors and Price Points Can Make a Big Difference for a Home Renovation

Torn over what to choose when you remodel your bathroom? Try Tampa marble or composite marble.

Marble is grand, elegant, timeless and almost ethereal in its look. It can add so much character to your bathroom, so make it a serious contender on the remodeling check list. It has been around for centuries and will be around for at least that length of time or longer.

This type of rock is easy to work with, polishes to perfection and gives every room it graces a visual punch that all will appreciate. While most often it comes in white, there is a rainbow of other colors and hues to choose from, including purple and brown. And the thing that really enhances its beauty for homeowners and Tampa marble contractors are the crystal swirls embedded in the stone. Yes, marble is highly sought after. However, there is another, more budget conscious alternative.

You might want to consider marble tiles made from composite, which is marble dust bound with resin. It is a nice alternative to solid marble and may suit your budget better. These days, you might want to check out something called Dark Emperador marble tiles. Honestly, it is difficult to tell the difference between natural marble and a composite.

In fact, try this test if you want to see for yourself. Find a showroom and look at Cappuccino tiles cut from natural marble, and then examine manufactured Cappuccino composite tiles. You will be hard pressed to tell them apart, as visually they are just about identical. You may be pleased with the composite or artificial marble, particularly if your remodeling job is subject to budget constraints.

Composite marble is often used for bathtubs, bathroom fixtures and shower trays, which can provide a home owner with a substantial savings on their renovation bill. And as for the Dark Emperador marble tiles, they originate from Spain and China, and they are strikingly beautiful in large kitchens and bathrooms. However, if you do not like the idea of using a dark tile in either room, consider the lighter beige tiles (like the Cappuccino ones). Their tone is mid-range and they are easy on the eye if you prefer less stark colors like white.

Dean Dupre is with Champion Tile, a Clearwater Flooring, Tampa Flooring, and tile installation company. To learn more, visit Champtile.com.

November 21, 2011 in Business, Business Articles, Environment by jferris

Contaminated Floodwaters Prompt Homeowners to Use Water Distillers

Barre, Vermont was recently affected by tropical storm Irene and had to deal with contaminated floodwater.

It has been a weird season for weather; hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and violent wind storms have rocked the country. There never seemed to be an end in sight to the dismal, and often deadly, forecasts. All of these events thrown at us by Mother Nature caused more than just power disruptions, collapsed homes, and uprooted trees. They typically caused flooding and frequently contaminated the water supplies in the area where storms hit.

In Barre’s case, there were thousands of homeowners served by private wells who feared their water was contaminated by Irene’s floodwaters. The city handed out more than 2,800 water testing kits for those worried about polluted water to test their supply. If any of these homeowners had water distillers, this would not have been an issue for them, as water distillers offer clean, fresh and safe water on demand with no worries about pollution.

The city’s health department felt it was crucial for the residents to test their wells, as many were completely covered with floodwaters, which can raise the possibility of fecal contamination. An advisory was issued, suggesting that people not drink their water until it was confirmed that it was safe to do so. This meant those on wells were boiling their water or buying bottled water. Bottled water is often minimally treated tap water, so , this is not the safest option either.

The safest water these people could possibly ask for is created by water distillers. Either a portable model that sits on the counter or a water distillation system can provide fresh and safe water. This is a far better alternative than drinking contaminated water that has the potential to gravely sicken or kill people.

The unfortunate thing about trying to decontaminate any compromised wells is that homeowners will be advised to use chlorine bleach. This is also a contaminant, and is usually used in quantities of one gallon of scent free bleach for every 525 gallons of well water, with further instructions to let it percolate for at least 12 hours to kill fecal matter. It is then up to residents to run their water until they cannot smell bleach anymore. Using a contaminant to decontaminate another is hardly a safe way to deal with contaminated water. The most effective, safe and contaminant-free way to get fresh, safe water is to use water distillers.

Larry Wardell is with H2olabs.com, a provider of water distiller systems and water distillation systems that provide truly pure distilled water. To learn more, visit H2olabs.com.

November 17, 2011 in Business, Business Articles by jferris

Innovative Mattress Product Helps Nursing Homes Create Big Savings

Nursing home budget cuts create a harsh atmosphere for administrators who must find innovative ways to cut costs and recover from extensive nursing home deficits. In part, this is happening due to Medicaid services being provided by care providers in the home setting. With Medicaid cuts of around three percent and Medicare cuts a little over 11 percent, nursing homes are scrambling to cut costs or face closing.

With these cuts, nursing homes are getting creative about ways to cut costs. This can be difficult given that nursing homes often take care of post-hospital patients. Patient advocates say that nursing homes could save money just by taking better care of patients as an estimated 14 percent of patients in their post-op care must go back to the hospital. Patient infections, falls that cause broken bones and other injuries, and medication mishaps could have been prevented. These incidents also are a part of “never events” that Medicare will not reimburse a facility for.

Taking on losses like this can equal a nursing home’s demise. As many facilities do a sufficient job of helping their short and long-term residents, a nursing home administrator must look at ways to cut costs in other departments or increase revenue. Ways to strengthen revenue include marketing to new and different groups for nursing home services, and responding to patient referrals quicker. Many nursing homes have already frozen wages, cut staff, and halted facility upgrades.

From here, they must find savings by looking at medical supplies that could do more for the nursing home at a lesser cost. From tissues and briefs to wound care and lotions, and even bigger items such as beds and medical equipment, every single item is being analyzed. For facilities that already have a pressure redistribution mattress, they can stop using a Low Air Loss (LAL) mattress, which typically costs $30 a day, and use the new Skin IQ™ coverlet for about $6 a day.

The Skin IQ coverlet does more to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers than a LAL mattress. This new mattress cover wicks moisture away from the patient, minimizes odors, and helps prevent infections. For a nursing home that might rent 75 LAL beds per month, for example, for high risk patients, switching to a Skin IQ coverlet could save $54,000 in 30 days. The product is easy to clean and can be used for individuals up to 500 pounds.

To learn more about a Sequential Compression Device, SCD boots, or Lymphedema boots, visit http://www.vascularprn.com/ or call 800.886.4331.