Be Prepared for your Medical Imaging Appointment

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Medical imaging is an important diagnostic tool that is improving all the time. It can be intimidating, though, especially if you're not sure what to expect. Whether you're having a simple CT scan, an ultrasound, or digital x-ray imaging, there are a few things you can do to be ready before your imaging appointment.

Talk to Your Doctor

Make sure to get a clear idea of what's going to happen and why. When your doctor tells you you need to have imaging done, ask what they're looking for, and how they will be looking for it. The answer might be complicated, and might involve other options; there are an increasing variety of digital imaging technologies, and more being invented all the time. If you're still having trouble understanding, go to the internet. There are other people out there who've had this procedure done for the same reason. 

Talk to Your Imaging Techs

You might be encouraged to make your appointment online, or you might not even be required to make an appointment, but don't be afraid to call and ask a real live person for clarity. You might need to do some prep work; drinking or fasting or avoiding certain foods. Make sure to get a checklist of what you need to do in order to be ready for your appointment. And of course you want to be absolutely certain your insurance will cover this procedure, and how much you will be expected to pay. Have your insurance information at the ready when you make the appointment.

Be Patient

Answers very likely won't be instantaneous, no matter how much you wish they were. The techs on the day probably won't be able to interpret your results, and you'll have to talk to your doctor again before you know what your results really mean. Imaging technology isn't a magic bullet, it's a complex and subtle tool in getting you the diagnosis that will help you get healthy. 

Equipment Every Modern Police Department Needs

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In today’s ever-evolving world of policing, departments constantly have to upgrade their procedures and equipment. Providing your department’s officers with up-to-date equipment allows them to feel more secure on an already stressful job.

Police Shields

Ballistic shields protect officers during riots and SWAT raids. As these scenarios unfortunately become more frequent, departments across the globe have adopted police shields to better outfit personnel. Even civilian members of the public can find a reliable ballistic shield for sale to provide personal protection.

Protective Vests

Weapons pose a direct threat to the lives of officers if in the wrong hands, making protective vests a must for any department. Vests primarily come in two forms. Ballistic-resistant vests protect vital organs of the torso against firearm ammunition. Stab-resistant vests, utilized primarily by correctional officers, protect against knives and other types of melee weapons. Some protective vests can combine both features to safeguard officers from a variety of threats.

Body Cameras

More and more departments nationwide are adopting officer-worn body cameras to not only convey transparency and accountability to the public but also to document evidence easier than relying on testimony alone. Body cameras can also allow department heads to provide better feedback on officer actions.

Equipment To Aid in Arrests

A wide range of equipment exists to protect officers as they make arrests — all without drawing a firearm. Tasers, stun guns and pepper spray can safely immobilize suspects without violent force. For car chases, placing physical barriers or road spikes on pavement can slow down or stop a pursued vehicle before it endangers the lives of pedestrians and other drivers.

As threats to officers continue to increase each year, police departments must adapt to evolving ideas of fighting crime. By investing wisely in equipment upgrades, you can ensure your men and women in blue continue to serve their communities to the highest of standards in safety and ethics.

Reasons to See the Dentist

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Many things can become neglected in a person’s life. Car maintenance is a big one. People neglect to get their oil change, forget to rotate their tires or don’t check their brakes. Health is another area people neglect things. They ignore a constant pain they develop or skip their annual health screening. One of the most common areas, however, that people neglect is their dental health. Many people in the country haven’t been to a dentist in years. Here are three reasons to see a dentist.

Routine Check-Up

While routine check-ups may seem like something you can skip, they are very important. By seeing a dentist regularly, you can ensure your teeth and gums stay in good health. Also, you can stay ahead of any problems that develop. Unfortunately, many people skip their routine check-ups and then wonder why they have teeth problems years down the road. It’s helpful to know that a company like Park Slope family dentistry can take care of you before your dental problems get out of hand.

Tooth Pain

Another sign that it’s time to see a dentist if you have chronic tooth pain. Do you have a tooth that you avoid chewing on because of the excruciating pain it causes? Are there teeth that hurt whenever they are exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks? These are signs of a problem in the tooth. It could be as simple as a cavity that needs to be filled or it could be something more serious. If you’re dealing with tooth pain, see your dentist right away.

Swollen Gums

Another indicator that it is time to visit your dentist is if you have swollen gums. Swollen gums can be a sign of infection in your teeth or gums. This might be an easy fix or could require something like a root canal. It’s a good idea to check it out before the problem becomes more serious.

Tooth problems are no fun. Be sure to see your dentist regularly and visit them if any problems develop.

3 Ways To Get Your Car Vacation Ready

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Hoorah! Summer is on the way, and with it comes vacation time. And if you're using your car for a road trip, driving it to the airport, or simply using it for the occasional family day trip, you should start to get your car ready early.

Here are some useful tips for you.

#1: Ensure your car is well-maintained

If your car suffers a breakdown, or worse, gets involved in an accident, then whatever you are doing during your vacation time might be cut short. To keep your family safe on the road, and to ensure your car doesn't have a meltdown under the summer sun, then you need to make sure your car is fit for purpose.

Two things to look out for are your tires and windscreen. Especially when driving in hot conditions, both can be affected by the temperature. The hot surfaces of the roads can cause your tires to blow if air pressure is low or they already have signs of wear and tear. And should your windshield already have a chip in it, know that the damage can spread when the glaring heat of the sun causes your glass to expand. Replace your tires if necessary, and replace or repair your windscreen with the services of AGD or similar if you notice any damage. 

You might also take your car to your local garage for professional advice and a service. Especially when you're not particularly car-savvy, they will make sure your car is ready for your summer vacation.

#2: Start loading your car with your emergency supplies

In the event of an emergency, you might struggle to cope if you have forgotten something vital, so start loading your car ahead of any journey you take to ensure you have everything you need to hand. 

Emergency supplies should include anything that will help you should your car break down. As examples, you should bring jumper cables, something to inflate your tires, a flashlight so you can see in the dark, flares, and the necessary fluids for your car. You should also pack blankets and spare warm clothes to keep you and your family warm should you be stranded overnight, and plenty of water to keep everybody hydrated. Remember your phone charger too, as you might need to get in touch with the police and a breakdown service should your car suffer a fault. 

Another important item is a first-aid kit. This should include everything you need in the event of an accident or injury, as well as items for sun protection and insect bites. You should also include any medications that are relevant to you and your family.

#3: Get your car ready for fun 

Finally, and especially if you are going on a long car trip, you need to have plenty of entertainment items for you and your family. This might include music CD's (if you're going old-school) or added playlists to your phone if you are able to connect it to your car. You should pack books and magazines into your car too, as well as travel games, be they something you purchase from the store, or a list of those games which might only need a few pens and pieces of paper to play, such as hangman and tic-tac-toe. You might also install a DVD player in your car, as this can give your kids hours of pleasure as they watch their favorite family movies. Add as many entertainment ideas to your car as possible, as this way, you will avoid those insufferable two words, 'I'm bored' from your children.

We hope you have a wonderful summer vacation!

Private School Doesn't Have to Drain Your Finances

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It may seem like a struggle to come up with money to pay yearly tuition for your child's private school education, but it doesn't have to be. There are luckily ways in which you can ease your family's financial burden while still giving your child the benefits of private education.

Save Early

If it is important for you to send your children to private school, start saving while your children are still very young and not yet attending school. For example, if you live in the King County area of Washington State and want your children to be able to attend Sammamish private schools, look up the tuition cost for the private schools in your area and make it a goal to save a specific amount based on your research before your children are school age. The earlier you start saving, the better, so as soon as you know that you want to save money to put toward your child's education, put a certain amount of your income each month into a savings account to be used only for this purpose.

Research Financial Aid Options

Financial aid for private school tuition is available to qualifying families in many states. Aid is awarded by the state and sometimes even by the specific educational institution itself depending on need and other factors. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is one institution that awards financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships to young students who excel academically or artistically and are in need of aid. If you apply for types of financial aid that your child may qualify for, you may be able to receive assistance that will help you save thousands of dollars every year on tuition for your child's private school education.

By utilizing some planning and resources, you can set aside adequate finances for your child's education as well as save money on tuition. This way, you may be able to pay for private school without breaking the bank.

Signs Your Family is Ready for Pet Ownership

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There will come a time when most children will ask if they can have a dog. You may be concerned about the challenges of being a dog owner presents, but there are ways to tell if your family is ready to deal with them.

Are You Allowed Pets?

The first thing you have to consider is if you are allowed to keep pets where you live. If you have your own home it will not be a problem, but it could be if you live in an apartment complex, for instance. You will know from when you moved in whether pets are allowed or not. There are some states that ban certain breeds too, and you should check this out before buying any family dog.

No Allergies

As much as they may love the dog, if a family member is allergic to them they could suffer a great deal. It is worth getting the family checked out first, especially very young children and older people. Most kids will outgrow the allergy and it could be a case of just waiting another couple of years. This will seem like a lifetime to your child, but it will soon pass and then they can have the dog they have been dreaming of.

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Can You Afford It?

On a day-to-day basis, dogs are not expensive to keep, but vets bills or pet insurance can soon add up. You have to be honest with yourself about whether you have the spare money to pay for these things, or your pet could be unwell and you not be able to pay for their treatment.

They will also need toys to play with and their own bed to sleep in and this are the sorts of thing that will soon mount up.

Do You Have The Time?

A dog needs you to devote some time to it if you want it to stay healthy and happy. They have to be bathed, groomed and played with as well as ensuring they get plenty of exercise.  Some people get around the exercise problem by using on-demand dog walking services. Then they know that even if they are out all day, their canine friend will get the walk it needs with someone who understands dogs and will know how to care for them.

Does Everyone In The Family Agree?

Does everyone in your family agree that it would be good to own a dog, or is one of your children frightened of them? Although owning a dog could be good in helping them to get over this fear, it could also create a lot of stress and anxiety for them. Children will not always relate their fears to anyone, and you should ask each family member if they have any problem at all with your buying a dog.

Adding a new member to the family should be something that everyone is happy with, and that is really the last hurdle to decide if your family is ready for pet ownership.

Organization Tip: Maximize Your Garage's Vertical Space with Car Lifts

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When we talk of car lifts, the first thing that comes to mind is under chassis repair, change oil, camber alignment and every other thing a mechanic does under your vehicle.

However, the use of a car lift is not limited to auto repair garages. This is the new way of maximizing the vertical space in home garages. For families with 2 or more cars, the issue of parking and storage becomes a concern, especially if you have a small garage. You would not want to leave your beloved vehicle parked outside, subjected to the elements of nature and/or the possibility of theft.

A four-post car lift is the usual choice for home garages. It provides that extra space, easy to install and is cost effective too. You may think that the cost of the lift and its installation is expensive, but think about this - it is more expensive to renovate your existing garage or build a new one! 

If you find this is a good idea, you can shop around for the car lift that would suit your needs. Best Buy Auto Equipment has a wide array of car lifts from trusted brands and manufacturers. They can help you choose the right car lift, then deliver and install it for you. 

Increase your garage space and keep your vehicles safe and secure inside your garage with a car lift. This is the most practical decision for home organization you can make this year. 

5 Amazing Spring Cleaning Tips For A Happy Home

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Declutter and Clean 

A house full of stuff you don't really need is easy to accumulate in a busy household. A simple rule of thumb; if you haven't used something in the last six months- throw it away.  Of course with the exception of essential goods, weather-related clothing and seasonal items like holiday decorations. Separate out your items and be strict about it. Consider donating items that you no longer need instead of throwing them away and throw away anything that is broken or un-fixable. By taking this ruthless stance, you'll soon find out just how many unnecessary and redundant items you are hoarding around your home. Once you get rid of all these things your room is guaranteed to feel fresh and have a whole new lease of life. 

Clean Your Outdoor Spaces 

Cold weather can lead to many of our outdoor spaces around the home neglected. Now that Spring is here, take some time to give some of the most important structural parts of your homes the once over. Small things like gutter cleaning, outside window wiping and leaf sweeping are simple yet effective ways for you to make sure that the outside of your home looks just as good as the inside. 

Give Your Carpets a Deep Clean 

Carpets in your home are notorious for attracting dust, dirt and hair no matter how often you hoover. This build-up can be especially bad in areas of your home with high traffic such as bedrooms, lounges and dining rooms. 

A deep and thorough clean will help bring back your carpets colour and revive its texture. Consider using a heavy-duty, high-performance vacuum cleaner or hiring a professional cleaner every few months will allow you to make your carpets look almost as good as the day they were laid.

Clean your Oven 

Bicarbonate of Soda is the cleaning saviour of many homes. Multi-functional, eco-friendly and non-toxic, it’s a great way to clean all around your home without the guilt. In particular, oven cleaning can be a difficult, tiring and time-consuming task but bicarb is great for cutting cleaning time in half Add a few teaspoons of the powder to a spray bottle of distilled water for a super powerful oven cleaning solution. The bubbling and fizzing actively eats away at any grease and grime to leave you with squeaky clean and gleaming surfaces.

Get Your Fridge Sparkling 

Just like oven cleaning, none of us cleans our fridges as much as we should. However, opening your appliance to find it smells less than pleasant is not ideal. Food, spills and water can often build up and can be difficult to tackle when left for too long. Remove stains easily with a hard bristle toothbrush and an iron scouring pad. The toothbrush bristles are fine enough to really get into those hard to reach nooks and crannies and a scouring brush is perfect for blasting away tough patches. Keep any residual smells from returning with a natural remedy. Place two cut halves inside of your refrigerator door to keep it smelling great for quite some time. 

How To Bounce Back From A Driving Mistake

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Perfection is never more of a myth than when I comes to our driving habits. We may manage to convince ourselves that we are safe, precise drivers, but anyone who has ever opted for black box car insurance knows that there's usually quite a bit of room for improvement when it comes to most people's on the road technique. And it's an undeniable fact that accidents and road traffic violations happen all the time. As fallible humans, sometimes we simply make a mistake, whether it's a relatively minor one or one which has more dramatic consequences. Although this is inevitable itd what happens afterwards that counts - how you handle things after making a big driving mistake. 

Heading The Wrong Way Down A One-Way Street

As we all focus more and more on what our satellite navigation systems tell us, and less on reading the physical street signs around us, we are seeing more and more comedic and even serious situations caused by sat nav driving mistakes. Going the wrong way down a one-way street has to be one of these. There is no way to hide a mistake like this - and things can turn serious quickly when you're faced with oncoming traffic. All you can do is quickly activate your hazard lights and reverse as quickly and safely as possible, or if the road is clear, do a three point turn and continue in the correct direction. 

Running A Red Light

Due to impatience or just plain bad timing, you may have run through a red light. If you were already in the middle of an intersection when the light turns red, usually this is fine and won't activate the cameras for a traffic violation. In some states, there is a grace period of a few seconds after the light has turned red. There are clear legal guidelines on the images which are required to be captured, so depending on state requirements,you may be able to fight a California Vehicle Code 21453 a vc for example. A good legal counsel is a must for this driving offence. 

Hitting A Parked Car

In situations with lots of vehicles and a confusing navigation such as an unfamiliar parking lot, you may have managed to hit a parked vehicle. Perhaps it's just a very minor scratch or it could be a big dent in the bodywork. You may well be tempted to simply drive off if there's no one around in a moment of panic. But this ‘dent and run’ treatment is illegal and can land you in a lot of trouble, even for very minor damage to the other car. Surveys have found that male drivers are more likely to commit this offence with female drivers owning up, while younger drivers are least likely to feel guilty over the damage caused. If this happens to you, first of all don't panic. Park your own vehicle somewhere safe where it isn't obstructing traffic and likely to cause another accident, and use your phone to photograph the damage to the other car and your own. Take down details - the make, model and registration of the other car and the circumstances which led to you hitting it - things like slippery road surfaces, adverse weather conditions or how the other vehicle was parked are all important. Leave a note for the other driver with your name and contact details and a brief description of the incident. Never leave without giving your information as this could result in a charge of criminal damage. Be aware that even if you and the other driver decide to resolve any damage privately rather than making an insurance claim, you may still be required to notify your insurer of the incident or risk invalidating your policy- details will be contained in the small print of your original contract. 

The Basic Ways To Take Good Care Of Your Precious Car

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Vehicles wear out over time, but that doesn’t mean you should simply shrug and let it happen. If you want to reduce the cost of car ownership and enjoy your vehicle for much longer then you need to take its care into your own hands. There’s a lot you can do to be a proactive car owner. These are the basic ways to take good care of your precious car. In turn, you’ll be able to keep it looking and feeling brand new for many years.

Keep it well-maintained

Maintaining your car is essential to taking care of it in the long-term. You should take it to a mechanic on a fairly regular basis so that it can be serviced, but you should also master the art of self-maintenance. You don’t want to spend a fortune to fix up your car every time it breaks down or something becomes faulty. Learn to check the tyre pressure, oil levels, and other important components of your vehicle. If you can become a DIY car expert then you’ll be able to keep it well-maintained and reduce costly visits to your local car mechanic. It’ll benefit you in the long-run if you want to keep using the same car for years to come.

Spruce it up

Not every car-related job has to involve maintenance or other practical tasks. Taking good care of your precious car is about making it a vehicle that you actually want to drive. You don’t simply settle for a house that’s functional; you take time to design it well so that it looks and feels comfortable. You should do the same for the vehicle that you drive every day. Make it into something that reflects your personality and feels inviting. You might want to check out CalTrend for custom seat covers. That could give your vehicle a trendy aesthetic that reflects your personal preferences whilst also making your car much cozier. You might also want to spruce your car up by giving it a fresh paint job. Get creative with your vehicle.

Clean it

One of the simplest but most effective ways to take care of your car is to just keep it clean. Your car must endure dirt, grease, acid rain, bugs, and many other forms of weathering on a daily basis. If you don’t wash it frequently then that grime is just going to build up. Obviously, you want your vehicle to be aesthetically pleasing, but that isn’t the only reason to keep it clean. After it’s worn away the paint, dirt starts to wear away at the metal, and that can lead to rust. If the important elements of your vehicle start to corrode then you’ll be driving a vehicle that’s functionally impaired as well as visually displeasing. Make sure you keep your car clean on a regular basis if you want it to look nice and run well. If you can keep it in the garage rather than on the driveway then that’ll be helpful too.