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how to guidehow to guidehtrnews.com | Friday, April 29, 2011

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It is a rare thing for a nursing facility to make headlines, unless there are horrific tragedies happening or the staff is unskilled and harming patients. Most skilled nursing facilities never make the news and never rise to infamy; they are quiet and dedicated to the care of those who can no longer care for themselves.

The overwhelming majority of staff and ad-ministrators at skilled nursing facilities are there to tend to your loved one as if they were their own. It is important to choose a facility that is highly rated by whichever state governing agency is applicable for your area. Most facilities’ staff will have some sort of certification from your state’s nursing board or health agency.

It is extremely important to select a facility that is still close to family and/or friends who will be able to visit the person frequently. This will assist them with the transition from in-dependent home living into a skilled nursing environment.

It is also important to make sure they are aware that their safety and health is of the utmost concern, as a skilled nursing facility is on a higher standard of care level than an as-sisted living facility.

Assisted living facilities are designed for older individuals to live in a somewhat private set-ting, with staff on duty for minimal assistance. A skilled nursing facility is designed to care for those who are no longer able to care for themselves due to infirmity or severe illness.

The staff at these types of facilities is much more skilled and regulated than the staff at an assisted living facility. Skilled nursing fa-cilities have staff who are authorized to pro-vide and administer medications according to prescriptions, while assisted living facility staff are not usually authorized to administer medications.

One of the best ways to get a good idea of the facility is to go and visit in person. Any repu-

table facility will be happy to schedule an in-terview with the facility director and a full tour of the facility, including the living areas.

Sights, sounds and smells should be a sig-nificant influence on whether you want your loved one living in the facility full-time. Any fa-cility who does not want to allow a full tour or a meeting with the director and staff should be immediately crossed off your list of poten-tials.

Another good method of finding the best fa-cility is to speak with the family members of those who are currently living there. They will not give you the sugarcoated version of what is happening to their own family member, so they may provide the most unbiased review of the staff and facility.

Finances are always an issue regarding medi-cal care, and moving your loved one to a skilled nursing facility is no different. Because a skilled nursing facility provides a much high-er level of care than an assisted living facility, the cost involved will be significantly higher. It is also important to consider consulting an attorney who handles nursing facility cases for their advice on what to expect for your money and what level of care is required to be provided to your loved one.

It is important to remember this decision is not a final one. If your loved one is not receiv-ing the care that you expect or if they are showing signs of abuse or lack of care, you are entitled to remove them and place them with a different facility. Frequent visits to your loved one will tell you if they are getting the care you expect and also alert you to any problems right away.

It is important to place your loved one in the proper skilled nursing facility if they are no longer able to care for themselves on their own. Proper research and frequent visits to your loved one will ensure their quality of life is the best it can and they are provided with the level of care they deserve.

Choosing to place a loved one in a skilled nursing facility is often a heartbreaking and difficult decision for all involved. Both the loved one and the family making the decision can find it painful and confusing to make a choice from the hundreds of facilities around the country.

how to how to Choose A Skilled Nursing Facility for Your Loved One

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Providing Three DistinctLevels of Care

River’s Bend Health & Rehabilitation Center strivesto provide innovative and progressive healthcare programs andservices to our community. Our team of dedicated health careprofessionals offers patient-centered care for each and everyindividual. Your family is what matters most.

Advanced Rehabilitation Unit (ARU)Our ARU was specifically designed with the goal of helpingour patients return home through physical, occupational and/orspeech therapy.

Medically Complex Unit (MCU)Our private MCU is ideal for individuals who no longer need tostay in the hospital but when home care support is not enough.

Residential Care Units (RCU)Our three residential units provide a safe place for long termcare of your loved one, who can no longer be cared for at homedue to illness, frailty or other impairments. Our twenty-fourhour nursing care offers families peace of mind in a warm andfriendly environment.

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htrnews.com | Friday, April 29, 2011 PAGE 3

how to guidetable of contents

2 Choose A Skilled Nursing Facility for Your Loved One 4 Choose A College 5 Choose A Financial Advisor 6 Choose A Roofer 7 Choose A Propane Company 8 Choose Women’s Clothing 9 Treat Knee Arthritis 10 Choose A Window Treatment Store 11 Choose A Hearing Aid 12 Choose A HVAC Company 13 Choose A Dentist 14 Choose A Vacuum Dealer 15 Choose A Chiropractor

16 Choose A Pet Groomer 17 Choose An Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist 18 Choose A Garden Center 19 Choose A Salon 20 Choose A Bookstore 21 Choose Your Television Service 22 Choose A Caterer 23 Choose A Hotel 24 Choose A Mattress 25 Choose A Handgun 26 Choose An RV 27 Make Your Legs Feel and Look Better 28 Choose A Water Treatment Company and Bottled Water

HOW-tO Guide is published by the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Contents of the section are for Herald Times Reporter. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of Herald Times Reporter. For information, contact

James Maurer at 920-686-2124 or email [email protected].

Publisher / Kevin Corrado | General Manager / Lowell Johnson Advertising Manager / James Maurer | Design & Layout / Kristy Gnadt

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Friday, April 29, 2011 | htrnews.comPAGE 4 how to guide

how to how to Choose A College

Quality of instruction Determine whether the college is research or teaching oriented. Often, university professors are encouraged to publish their research. These professors may give preference to working on research and writing rather than teaching and instruction.

Average class size Smaller schools and community colleges tend to offer a bet-ter opportunity for communication among teachers and their students.

Admission requirements Typically, students must complete entrance exams and meet certain criteria, such as specific grade-point averages, to be allowed to take classes there. Community colleges and larger univer-sities vary on their acceptance policies.,

Curriculum Does the school you want to attend offer the program or degree you want to pursue? If you are unsure what to study, choose a college offering a broad range of courses that might spark, your interest.

Quality of facilities Students should check out potential colleges’ facilities, such as computer labs, libraries, athletic facilities, student stores and housing.

Campus life Many campuses have ex-tracurricular activities such as: intramural sports, study groups, religious groups, cultur-al and art clubs, and work study programs.

Location Is it local or will you need to move? Some colleges have multiple campus-es or offer online classes for student conve-nience.

Transferability What type of school do, you want to attend: public or private? Deter-mine if class credits will transfer from that school to another.

Graduation rates A sign of a quality school. Many private and smaller colleges have as high or higher graduation rates than larger four-year universities.

Costs There are many options for financial assistance. You can find information on grants, loans, work-study, and internships through the Internet and the financial aid office at any college. Private schools may be more expen-sive than public schools. Develop a balanced

financial aid package (grants, loans, and work-study), to keep costs compatible. In-state col-leges could also keep costs down by possibly eliminating room and board expenses as well as transportation costs. Remember to figure in your room and board if you plan to move away. There are many factors to consider. You want helpful advice on choosing a major that’s right for you. You want faculty who take the time to answer your questions. You want a diverse college atmosphere with a variety of activities. Most of all, you want great job op-portunities upon graduation. Doing research ahead of time will save on time and money in the future.

Getting started Plan early. Selecting a college is a big adventure. It is important to do your homework to make sure you get ex-actly what you want. You don’t want to regret your selection of college within weeks after classes start.

Research colleges you would like to attend. Narrow your list as soon as you have your SAT score and begin the application process. Keep in mind, however, there maybe applica-tion fees. They can range from $25 to $50 and sometimes more. Doing your research before you apply will save you money.

What do you want to major in? If you are just beginning college, you may not know what to major in or what type of career you’d like to pursue. Many career centers of-fer assessment tests that pinpoint your strong skills to help you decide. College counselors are also available help you plan a course of action.

Plan ahead The cost of education can be easily subsidized by student loans and grants; however, it is a good idea to plan ahead. If you know your intended major, think of future em-ployment options. Is your career path going to afford you the ability to pay off your student loans within the specified time? Have you planned on the expenses that come with liv-ing in the real world? A good career plan goes a long way toward paying student loans back while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Checking things out Is the campus well kept? Are the people on campus friendly and helpful? Do you feel like you fit in? It is important that you be happy with your choice of colleges, so do some legwork and be ready for an exciting chapter in your life.

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things to keep in mindSince not every diet program is suited for your specific health and wellness needs, not every financial advisor is suited for your financial well-ness needs. You want to be able to rely on your financial advisor’s advice when it comes to trimming your expenditures and what to do to save for retirement the same way you rely on your doctor for keeping your body trim and fit.

Before making a choice, perform a back-ground check on the financial advisors on your list and review their credentials. Your financial advisor must have the necessary training from an accredited institution and the prescribed certification for your state in order to be a true financial advisor.

areas of expertiseThere’s a complete buffet of financial products that can con-tribute to your financial well-being. Everything from bonds to mutual funds and commodi-ties to stocks are com-mon investing tools. However, depending upon your appetite for risk, some investment vehicles are better for your portfolio than others.

Consider the specific segment of the mar-ket in which you want to invest your money. Look for a financial advisor specializing in that particular investment type. For example, you might want to invest in the commodities mar-ket. If your potential financial advisor has little experience in the commodities market, con-sider a different choice on your candidate list.

rate of successTake a look at the rate of success each poten-tial candidate has. Has the rate of return of his recommendations outpaced the average mar-ket rate of return over the last year, five years, or ten years? One indicator of a solid rate of return is how well a financial advisor conducts

research to strengthen his clients’ portfolios.

Here’s where experience plays an important role. This is especially important in tough eco-nomic times. How well has your financial ad-visor-candidate weathered past economic re-cessions for his clients? Do his clients continue to thrive in a bleak financial environment? On the other hand, have his clients experienced multiple hits to their portfolios? That’s why an advisor’s success is well worth your consider-ation.

fees or commissions?Ask your financial advisor about her com-pensation. Is she fee-based or commission-based? That will make a difference in your final selection.

A commission-based advisor is more apt to sug-gest financial prod-ucts that favor her c o m p e n s a t i o n . Such a situation could needlessly increase your ex-posure to market risk. Only go with a commission-based advisor if she has a proven track record of success and has your best interest in mind.

If you feel the need to guarantee that your best interest

will be served, go with a fee-based advisor. A fee-based advisor is compensated only for the time spent on servicing your portfolio.

interviewFinally, make arrangements to meet the top candidates on your financial advisor list. Get a feel for how the financial advisor will treat you as his or her client. A good way to do that is to ask direct questions regarding experience, services and financial products offered, and the fee schedule. How your financial advisor-candidate answers your questions will give you a solid idea of which one is right for you.

how to how to Choose A Financial Advisor

Finding the right financial advisor for your situation is essential for your financial health. Think of it this way: Choosing a financial advisor who’s right for your specific financial situation is similar to choosing the right nutrition program for your specific body type.

Ask yourself the following questions:• How many years of experience does

the financial advisor have?• Have any complaints been filed

against the financial advisor?• What awards, if any, has the financial

advisor received?• Can the financial advisor provide

concrete proof of a satisfied clientele?

Answers to these questions are key when searching for a financial advisor who will meet your specific needs.

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how to how to Choose A Roofer

When you hire a professional you are paying for more than just the work. You are paying for their warranty, too, so that if the roof leaks two years later they are still liable and will have to correct the problem.

With that in mind, there are several points you definitely want to check out before selecting a roofer.

First, how long has the compa-ny been in operation? A good roofer should offer a guarantee of anywhere from five to 12 years on their work. If you are dealing with a company that has only been in business for two years, you do not know if that guarantee is worth anything.

You also want to try to find a roofing contractor who is local to your area. This is especially true after high winds have passed through your region and damaged many area roofs.

Contractors from other regions of the country often follow such storm events, scooping up jobs and insurance payments. If their work fails and leaks after a year, it is extremely unlikely that they will return to your area to repair their error.

Remember, you are paying for the warranty, so finding a local roofing contractor who has been in business for a while should be a top priority.

How do you accomplish this?

First, ask family, friends and neighbors if they have any recommendations. Even if they have not used a roofer recently, they may have other friends who have.

Personal recommendations often include ad-vice on who not to use, as well as commentary on the quality of the work and the cleanup. For example, if someone puts on a good roof but leaves shingles from the old one lying all over the yard, you may not want to use them.

You should also do an Internet search for roof-ing contractors in your area. Many Web sites list contractors and allow reviews of their work to be posted.

The next step is to contact the roofers you have identified in

order to get estimates and ask questions. Getting estimates is obvious, but asking questions is also extremely impor-tant. Doing so will let the contractors know that you will not simply let them work and think nothing about it. It will let them know that you are paying attention to the process, right from the start. It can also let them know that you un-derstand some things about roofs.

Good questions to ask are what they will do if they find damaged decking, whether they rec-ommend standard or architectural shingles, what the warranty is on their work, do they pro-vide the warranty in writing, how long would it take to complete the work, and when could they start the job.

The answers you receive to these questions will give you a basis to decide whether or not you trust the contractor.

You should also make sure the contractor is licensed and bonded. Insurance is especially important for roofing contractors. While it is important they they be bonded and able to cover any damages they cause to your property, it is even more important they have coverage for their own workers who may be injured or even fall to their death in the process of repairing your roof.

Asking about these kinds of issues will dem-onstrate to the contractor that you know what you are talking about and will prompt them to be more open with you in discussing the job. The topics you discuss will grow as the number of roofers you interview increases, because you will be able to ask following roofers about things the first roofer said.

Finally, be sure to get a writ-ten contract with the roofer you choose. Contracts should always be in writing so there are no misunderstandings about what materials are to be used, exactly what the scope of work is, and what the final cost is to be.

Following these simple steps, you should be able to find and reasonably evaluate a roofing contractor to replace your roof. You will get a good product for your money and be confident that you made the right choice.

Replacing the roof on your home should be left to professionals.

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how to how to Choose A Propane Company

how to guide

accesibility/reliability/ knowledgeableThese are critical factors to consider when choosing a propane company. By choosing a propane specific company, one that focuses on propane delivery solely, will ensure that you receive safe, dependable propane delivery. Because propane can be dangerous if not proper-ly handled and transported, any signs of carelessness could put your safety and property at risk. Look at the companies propane tanks and delivery vehicles and visit their storefront. How the company physically appears is a direct reflection on whether they are equipped to safely and professionally service you.

By choosing a local, independently owned company, you will have better access to them through their extended service hours. They invest in training their employees and employ knowledge-able staff that will come to know you per-sonally; and if you need to you can even speak to the owner of the company.

pricePropane is one of the third most widely available fuels. It is also the most eco-nomically priced heating fuel.

It is important to recognize that not one company will have the lowest price all year. Watch out for companies that charge hidden fees like: fuel surcharges, haz-mat fees and program fees. More im-portantly choose a full service propane provider that is licensed and qualified to work on your other gas appliances within

your home as well as offer competitively priced gas. Inquire if the company pro-vides a twelve, level monthly payment plan, this helps you manage your heating cost evenly throughout the year.

backgroundAsk your propane provider for paperwork that shows they have gone through the proper training requirements as well as how much liability insurance they carry. Choose to do business with a company that has an established service reputa-tion in your area and avoid new compa-nies just starting out. Check with your states’ Better Business Bureau to inquire about any unresolved complaints that may have been filed against the propane company.

new technologyChoose a company that offers their cus-tomers access to and service on the new high-efficiency, cost saving propane products that are now available on the market such as: tankless water heaters, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed trim-mers and mosquito magnets. The company you choose should also be able to correspond with you electronically.

There certainly is due diligence required in picking the right propane company. But if you take your time and pick the right one, you’re more likely to be sat-isfied with their service to provide you with safe, clean and comfortable heating for many years to come.

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how to how to Choose Women’s Clothing

There is a plethora of fashion advice in this digital age, which leads to confusion and sometimes a sense of being overwhelmed. And clothing can be tied to a sense of self-worth, which is not always a good thing. So many questions and opinions, where is a girl supposed to start?

A woman should decide on what she likes wearing first and foremost. The days of dress-ing uncomfortably just to please the opposite sex are over.

That is not to say sweat-shirts and pants should be the new norm. Dressing ap-propriately is one fashion dictate that is always in. But trying to fit into cloth-ing that is too tight and that doesn’t breathe is almost as bad as wearing pajamas to a job interview. No one should do either of those things.

Fabric is an important con-sideration. The natural fab-rics such as cotton, linen, silk, wool and cashmere are almost always more com-fortable. What holds some women back from purchas-ing clothes made of these materials is price.

However, women’s cloth-ing made of natural fabrics will not only last longer than cheap synthet-ics, they will also hold their look through re-peated wear. That is why almost everyone who is knowledgeable in clothing will tell you to spend the money and buy nicer clothes to begin with.

If income is very tight, many women find beautiful clothing in second-hand or thrift shops. Going to one of these stores that is located near a wealthy suburb is the best recourse. Name-brand designer clothes are the hidden jewels spread throughout Good-will and Salvation Army stores nationwide. Also, these stores are a good way to get rid of clothing that no longer compliments a

woman’s figure or lifestyle.

Women who work in the professional world often must choose clothing that is more con-servative than what they would like. But even the most button-down suit can be livened up with the right accessories. A very attractive look is the dark blue or black women’s suit contrasted with a red or white flower pin for the lapel.

If a woman is just starting a new job and is unsure of what to wear, c o n s e r v a -tive clothing is always the best bet.

Professional offices will often have dress codes listed in their e m p l o y e e handbooks, but for small-er offices or retail estab-l i s h m e n t s , this might not be the case. Making note of what other em-

ployees and the supervisors are wearing is a good habit to get into.

When a woman is seeking to be stylish, there are certain things she should pay attention to. What is on the runways in New York and Paris will usually trickle down within a matter of months.

If not interested in what the runway has to of-fer, paying attention to what city girls in New York and Paris are wearing can be helpful. Sometimes fashion starts in the street and then moves up to the designer labels.

The right clothing will compliment a woman and make her feel wonderful.

A new job, new neighborhood, or just a new outlook can lead to a woman wanting to change her wardrobe. But where should she start?

Above all, women’s clothing should be comfortable and should make a

woman feel attractive and competent.

If a woman is uncomfortable in certain clothing, it will show. It is much better to be at ease and slightly less fashionable than to be in high style yet

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how to how to Treat Knee Arthritis

how to guide

But you are not alone – both knee and hip ar-thritis are becoming growing epidemics, with the number of hip and knee replacements expected to dramatically increase over the next 20 years. This is due to several things: the large baby boomer population, patients remaining active as they age, increased obe-sity and patients getting joint replacements done at earlier ages.

Knee arthritis is the breakdown of the car-tilage covering the three bones in the knee joint, causing inflammation of the surround-ing tissues and intense pain that is activity related. Additional symptoms include:

• Pain/swelling toward the end of the day

• Difficulty with stairs, squatting, rising from a prolonged sitting position

• Grinding, painful popping, giving way and unsteady feeling

• Bowed or knock knee appearance of the leg

• Pain at night for advanced stages of arthritis

Knee arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. What is interesting about knee arthritis is that symptoms do not always progress steadily with time. Often pa-tients report good months and bad months, or symptoms that fluctuate with the weather.

Evaluation of a patient with knee arthritis should begin with a physical examination and x-rays, which serve as a baseline to evaluate later examinations and determine progres-sion of the condition.

Treatment should begin with the most basic steps and progress to the more involved, pos-sibly including surgery. Not all treatments are appropriate for every patient, and you should have a discussion with your doctor to deter-mine which treatments are appropriate for your case. Options include:

Weight Loss Probably one of the most important, yet least commonly performed treatments. The less weight the joint has to carry, the less painful activities will be.

Activity Modification Limiting certain activities may be necessary, and learning new exercise methods may be helpful. Additionally, use of a cane or a single crutch is the hand opposite the affected knee will help decrease the demand placed on the arthritic joint.

Physical Therapy Strengthening of the muscles around the knee joint may help decrease the burden on the knee. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important part of maintaining functional use of the knee.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications Anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) are prescription and nonprescription drugs that help treat pain and inflammation.

Cortisone Injections Cortisone injections may help decrease in-flammation and reduce pain within a joint.

Lubricant Injections Options include Synvisc, Orthovisc or Supartz.

Knee Arthroscopy Exactly how effective knee arthroscopy is for treatment of arthritis is debatable. For some specific symptoms, it may be helpful.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery In this procedure, the cartilage is removed and a metal & plastic implant is placed in the knee.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery Also called a unicompartmental knee replace-ment, this is replacement of one part of the knee. It is a surgical option for the treatment of limited knee arthritis.

Knee replacement is often the last treatment modality used, once non-operative measures have been exhausted and the pain is so in-tense it interferes with life’s activities. If you have knee arthritis or would like more infor-mation, talk with your physician to determine the best treatment plan.

For anyone with knee arthritis, the most common of daily activities can be painful. Simple movements such as walking, climbing stairs or rising from a seated position can be a challenge.

WI-5001301761


how to how to Choose A Window Treatment Store

Renovating your windows is possible in a wide variety of ways.If you are looking for curtains and blinds for your home, you are sure to find something that suits your taste given the vast supply of styles available on the market.

You need to consider a number of factors when deciding on the window treatments to purchase, but it can be difficult to decide ex-actly which factors are relevant to your situ-ation.

The tips that follow will provide you with a guideline to follow and will make the job a lot easier.

How much do the treatments cost? Regardless of the product you are buying, this question is one of the most critical one that must be answered.

You should expect to find different prices for the different grades of materials in a quality window treatment store. The supply of mate-rials available at a good store should include both lower priced vinyl as well as the more ex-pensive wooden blind choices.

Another feature to look for is free installation of blinds. Often stores will advertise free professional instal-lation of blinds, so this is a feature you can take advantage of to make your job easier, but keep in mind that the cost of installation will be priced into the materials.

Looking at the total cost of all materials for your window treat-ment is a critical part of the whole process. Decide if the store provides a variety of mate-rial options for you to select from.

Given the wide variety of window treatment fabrics and items available to upgrade your windows, the ideal treatment store should re-flect that variety in its stock so that you can se-lect materials to suit your style. Blinds should first be selected to match the window size and decor style of the room being decorated.

Both shades or blinds are critical elements for the shopper to purchase. Take a look at the available curtains and draperies so that you can gauge what is available and so you will be able to make any necessary adjustments in or-der to create a coordinated decor.

To design the home to remain looking great for a long time to come, particular attention must be paid to both the quality of the design ele-ments and the quality of the installation.

The materials should last for a long time and not start to fall apart after just a few years when they will have to replaced again. The daily management of sunlight in the home is handled with the use of blinds or drapes, and the regular, frequent handling of these can take its toll.

Ensure that the blinds you buy are durable and are adequate to perform the job they are de-signed for. Find out the details of the warranty available for the products you buy.

The products should have a good warranty as errors may occur dur-ing installation and even after installation, the product may be found defective. Details of the warranty and return policy should be properly understood before the items are purchased.

If the purchased window treatments do not blend with the home’s decor it should be pos-sible to switch out items or return everything to the store. Ask about restocking fees, and be sure you know the store’s return policy up front.

When redesigning and renovating your home, you may find the search for window treat-ments to be quite enjoyable. Thinking about all the possibilities can be fun, even if the options can be overwhelming.

It is tricky to assemble the proper combination of curtains, drapes, blinds and accessories, but a great deal of satisfaction is received when the overall style comes together as planned.

Once you know exactly what you are looking for in window treatments, it is only a matter of time before you locate a good window treat-ment store that will meet your needs.

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how to how to Choose A Hearing Aid

Because of this, hearing aids are a popular way to correct these hear-ing issues. Loss of hearing can be devastating, but there is no reason to allow this to control your life.

It is easy to be self-conscious about the appearance and feel of the hear-ing aid. Because the aids are unnat-ural, it is not uncommon for patients to feel deficient when they need them. The majority of modern hear-ing aids are very discreet and blend into the ear area in terms of design and color, though. Because of this, it is often quite difficult for other people to notice that the patient is wearing the aid.

One popular hearing aid is the kind that can fit completely within the ear canal. Hearing aids that were first used were big, bulky and obvious. The hearing aid that is placed within the ear canal, however, allows pa-tients to receive all benefits that can correct moderate hearing loss while at the same time maintaining the natural appearance of the ear.

Another style of hearing aid which has become increasingly popular is one located behind the ear. This type of aid is particularly popular with women as long hair is able to cover the hearing aid so that it can-not be seen by other people. They are also popular because they pro-vide greater hearing magnification for patients who have worse hear-ing loss.

For the most part, individuals who are suffering from severe hearing loss were given large hearing aids that filled the whole inner ear. Fortu-nately, there is an answer for these individuals who have severe hearing loss but do not want to have to wear large devices that protrude exten-sively from their ear.

There are numerous specialists who are licensed and able to treat patients using hearing aids and pre-scribe the correct aid. A hearing aid specialist will determine the right hearing aid style that will be the most comfortable and will also suc-cessfully correct your hearing.

Always ensure that you are aware of the price of the hearing aid be-fore you agree to purchase any of the available devices. All aids, par-ticularly the smaller ones that are placed within the ear canal, are quite expensive. Even the hearing aids which are traditional and are placed on the outer ear cost signifi-cant amounts of money.

Ensure also that the provider de-scribes all of the costs to you be-fore you purchase the hearing aid. This will make your decision more informed.

Hearing aids are vital devices for im-proving the quality of your life, and they need to be carefully studied in order to know with 100 percent cer-tainty that you have the right hear-ing aid for your needs.

Over 40 million individuals in the U.S. experience some form of hearing loss.

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how to how to Choose A HVAC Company

The key to getting great heating and air condi-tioning service is finding the right HVAC com-pany. It’s been said that an HVAC company is like a spouse. Good ones are helpful, reliable and there for you in your times of need, where-as bad ones will cost you a lot of money, cause you many headaches and put you in uncomfortable situations.

Word of mouth will provide the best recommendations for an HVAC company. Ask your family and friends who they’ve had good experi-ence using. When you hear the same name more than once, that’s a good sign.

Make sure that you let the company know that they were recommended by people close to you. This will let them know that they need to do a good job or other customers will hear about it and maybe con-sider taking their business to another company.

When researching any sort of company, you’ll want to check with the Better Busi-ness Bureau. For an HVAC company, check with your state’s board of contractors. You can also check the local mechanical inspection of-fice to be really thorough.

You want to make sure any company you use is reputable. Unfortunately today many are not as reputable as we’d like to think.

You’ll also want to know if the company has insurance and is bonded for accidents that are likely to happen occasionally. This can save you from having to file a claim on your hom-eowners insurance should any mishaps take place that cause damage to your property dur-ing the installation.

HVAC companies that are quality businesses will usually have a membership in a reputable professional organization. Some well-known organizations include the American Society

of Mechanical Engineers, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Con-ditioning Engineers. Belonging to one of these organizations shows that the company you’re considering knows their business.

Make sure to check for proper permits. An HVAC company getting the proper permits can save a homeowner many headaches. Load calculation is an-other thing that will save you from plenty of problems in the future.

It’s a good idea to have a load calcu-lation performed before installing a new system in any building. The com-pany that you select should be willing to do so. There are HVAC companies that will use a gen-eral rule of thumb to size the neces-

sary equipment instead of double checking, and some companies will just install the same size of equipment as equipment that is being replaced.

These methods can cause unnecessary prob-lems for you. Many times you don’t know if a load calculation was done when the first sys-tem was installed and changes in the building have probably taken place over the years.

A system that’s too big will be inefficient and cause big problems. A system that’s too small won’t be able to heat or cool the larger area. When you have the system that is installed to fit the needs of the building, you will save money and be much happier.

Following this advice will help you find an HVAC company that will help save you some money and leave you satisfied with their work.

In the summer, there seems to be nothing more important than good air conditioning. In the winter, nothing is more important than an effective heating system.

Ask the difficult questions.What are their prices? Do they offer a guarantee or warranty? What are their usual turnaround times? What manufacturers do they use?

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how to how to Choose A Dentist

There used to be little choice as to which den-tist to visit. Teeth cleaning, x-rays and dental operations were performed by whichever den-tist served a particular area or insurance com-pany.

Now, more than ever, individuals are choosing their own dentist in hopes of finding a friend and ally ready to help create a gor-geous smile while offering a pleasant dental experi-ence.

When choosing a dentist, it is important to consider a few key things. Location and office hours are im-portant in terms of conve-nience. The dental office should be located close to work or home and offer hours compatible with an individual’s lifestyle.

Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are one of the best ways to find a reputable den-tist as well as knowing which dentists to avoid. Most dental offices now have Web sites that offer valuable information about the dentists practicing at the office and usually include each dentist’s basic background information, educa-tion and dental specialties.

Information to look for when reading through a particular dentist’s Web site include things such as what extra charges or costs are in-volved should an appointment be missed or cancelled, x-ray requirements and costs, and costs related to any extra services.

It is also important to note how far in advance cleanings and appointments should be sched-uled.

Emergency dental services should be available for any dental crises. This information can also be obtained by calling the dental office. Look for dental offices with receptionists that are friendly, timely, and helpful.

A basic information check should be performed on any potential dentists before the initial visit.

Check that they have earned a degree from a reputable school and are up to date with their licensing and educational requirements. They will preferably be keeping up with the latest dental technologies and trends.

Always be sure that they support up-to-date dental insurance. The best dentists consistently provide cutting edge dental care while striving to create and main-tain a healthy, beau-tiful smile for their patients.

Payment should be discussed ahead of time with estimates being given for any and all services. If dental insurance will be used, always check to be sure the dentist that has been chosen ac-

cepts the specific insurance. If not, a new den-tist may need to be selected. Discuss payment plan options ahead of time, especially for ex-pensive procedures.

When visiting a dentist for the first time, the dentist should be professional and friendly. Questions should be asked based upon the in-dividual patient’s needs and concerns.

A basic oral history should be reviewed before hand, and future treatment and prevention op-tions should be discussed.

First impressions mean a lot when choosing a dentist. If the dentist, hygienists or office staff create an atmosphere that is anything less than professional or pleasant, a new dentist should be searched for.

Teeth are important to overall health and ap-pearance and should be trusted with only the best of dentists. Finding a good dentist should involve finding a friend and ally in the dental in-dustry who consistently keeps the health and beauty of their patient’s smile a top priority.

Choosing a dentist can make a world of difference in a patient’s smile and oral health. It can also be a daunting task, especially as the number of practicing dentists continues to increase rap-idly throughout the country.

If phobias and pain are concerns,patients should express this during an initial visit with a dentist and determine what can be done to alleviate them. Many dentists are willing to go above and beyond to cater to patients with these specific concerns.

how to guide

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how to how to Choose A Vacuum Dealer

In that case, you’ll want to look for a good vacuum dealer in your community.

For starters, you’ll need to find a business that has been around a long time. If a vacu-um shop has lasted many years — and in some cases decades — that’s only because they have a long-term track record of treating their custom-ers right. Bad businesses don’t last that long.

You’ll also want to find a store that offers a va-riety of brands, not just one particular model that happens to offer a high sales commission. The best stores will let you compare different vacuum models and features side-by-side, letting you get an eas-ily understandable look at what makes some brands and models bet-ter than others.

Not only will you want to see different brands, but also a wide variety of price points. Stores that only sell cheap, poorly built models — or that only stock the very most expensive equipment — won’t give you a chance to see how much different each level of vacuum equipment can be.

And there is a huge difference. While most low-cost vacuums will have to be replaced frequently as their plastic parts break or wear out, mid-range and higher end vacu-

ums are likely to last for many years, which can actually make them cheaper over time.

Another thing to consider is the store’s re-turn policy. You should know this up front so that there are no questions if you buy a vac-uum and then discover, days or weeks later,

that it’s not the right product for you.

The level of service and repairs offered is another thing to think about. Many vacuum stores will offer in-house re-pairs if something goes wrong, giv-ing you the peace of mind knowing you have an experi-enced professional who can keep your vacuum investment in good shape. Make sure you know all the warranty infor-mation before you make your purchase, too.

If there are several vacuum dealers in

your community, chances are you have a friend or relative who has dealt with them before. Ask about their experiences with the store, particularly how they treated the cus-tomer after the sale was made.

After all, any store can sell you a vacuum. But only the best will be there to help you make the right decision and follow up with excellent customer service after the pur-chase is made.

There are plenty of stores where you can buy a vacuum clean-er. From department stores to speciality retailers, you can find a cheap vacuum just about anywhere.

But what if you want something that will actually last for a long time? What if you want to deal with a company that actually provides decent support for their products? And what if good, old-fashioned customer service is something you value?

Your vacuum dealer should know their

products intimately, including the details of what makes them

different mechanically. While two different products might look

similar on the outside, often the parts on

the inside can make a world of difference in how they last and

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how to how to Choose A Chiropractor

In fact, it’s an increasingly popular choice for millions of Americans with back, head or neck pain, headaches, injuries and other ailments. And because chiropractors are expertly trained to work on muscles, joints, bones and liga-ments — the things that keep your entire body connected — chiropractic care can improve your gen-eral health as well.

That’s why it’s important to choose a chiropractor for your health care. Whether you’re experiencing pain or just want to improve your overall well-being, many people get good results from visiting a local chiro-practor.

why chiropractic?The reasons people choose chiropractic care boil down to four things: quality, cost, convenience and out-comes.

Quality can be assured by the rigorous training that chiropractors go through before they can be accredited. They’re trained on the human body’s nerves and musculoskeletal system, and chiropractors’ educational requirements are among the most stringent in the health care industry. They typically spend four years in a pre-medical program and four to five years of professional training.

Cost and convenience are two other reasons chiropractic care is so popular.

Compared to the skyrocketing cost of other types of medical care, chiropractic can seem downright affordable for the results it provides. And with the waiting times at doctors’ offices and emergency rooms becoming ridiculous, chiropractors can typically offer treatments that fit into your busy lifestyle.

Finally, the positive health outcomes people get from chiropractic care matter more than anything else. People love the care they get from their chiropractor — and are happy to tell you about it — but the best way to see the out-come is to try it for yourself.

The most ringing endorsement of chiropractic care is seeing that it works for you.

insurance coverageWhen selecting a chiropractor, it’s important to know what your insurance company will cover. Most insurance carriers include chiropractic care as part of their regular coverage, includ-ing Medicare and some Medicaid plans, but

you should check to see exactly what your health plan in-cludes.

You should also see if there are any dis-counts for choos-ing an “in-network” chiropractor, which could let you have a lower co-pay and more affordable coverage.

Even if you don’t have health insur-ance, you may find chiropractic care is a cost-effective al-ternative that gets

good results. Most chiropractors will offer an affordable payment plan or low cash rates to help patients without insurance coverage.

get referralsOne way to choose a chiropractor in your area is to ask friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers who they use. You may be surprised at how many people you know who have gotten good treatment from chiroprac-tors and are happy to share their experiences about it.

They should be able to answer your questions about the things you can only learn from first-hand knowledge — things like the chiroprac-tor’s demeanor, how easy it is to schedule an office visit, and any other concerns you might have about the chiropractic process.

You can also use the American Chiropractic Association’s online “Find a Doctor” tool at acatoday.com/DocSearch.

By taking your time to find a good chiropractor in your area, you’ll get the affordable, conve-nient and effective health benefits that come from chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care can be a great choice for people who want conve-nient, cost-effective treatment for their health care needs.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, accredited

chiropractors go through classroom, laboratory and clinical training that totals at least

4,200 hours.

how to guide

Calumet AvenueChiropractic

Now a participating in-network,preferred provider for

Health EOS and Anthem/BlueCross/Blue Shield

3713 Calumet Ave.,Manitowoc, WI 54220

(920) 682-6680

Dr. Thomas - Certified ChiropracticExtremity Practitioner

Dr. Willhite - National Secretary ofthe ACA Council of Internal Disorders

WI-5001301996


how to how to Choose A Private Pet Groomer

One of the best ways to find a pet groomer is to ask your friends who have pets whose services they use. Referrals are important to any professional pet groomer. They will be pleased to know you were referred to them. They will in turn want you to be pleased with their services so that you will also refer others to them.

You can locate pet groomers in pet stores, veterinary offices and private businesses. You can find listings in a newspaper or online for local pet groom-ers.

However, before selecting a pet groomer, you should visit the pet salon personally. Check for cleanliness. The facility should look and smell clean. Even though you may not be able to see it, you should be able to ask to see where the dogs and cats are kept while waiting for your re-turn. Be sure your pet will be in a safe, secure environment.

If there are several employees working at the salon, take time to observe how they interact with the animals. It is generally reassuring to see that the grooming stations are located in an area that is within view of people coming into the establishment.

You will also want to ask about the variety of services the groomer provides. Some groomers do not groom cats while other will groom both cats and dogs. Some simply bathe and trim pets while others offer a vari-ety of grooming related services.

They may also offer flea treatments, nail

trimming and polishing, ear cleaning and teeth cleaning. Pet grooming salons range from those that provide basic grooming to those that offer a variety of pet pampering services.

Some towns have mo-bile pet groomers. This is a convenient option if you are unable to trans-port your pet to a facil-ity or if your dog doesn’t get along well with other animals. If your town doesn’t have a mobile pet groomer, you will need to find a groomer with business hours that are convenient for you to drop off and pick up your pet.

When you visit a groomer to check out their facility, you should not hesitate to ask questions. De-termine the knowledge they have about the breed of dog or cat you plan to bring to them. Ask about their years of experience.

When you make an ap-pointment with a groom-er, be specific about what services you want. Make

sure to ask the groomer about their proce-dures. Ideally, you should not request that more be done to your pet than they comfort-ably tolerate. Your dog may be comfortable with a bath and the process of drying its hair. However, it may find the experience of hav-ing its nails polished a bit stressful.

Always remember, you have the option of changing groomers any time you feel un-comfortable with the attitude or behavior of a groomer or with the quality of their work. Observe the behavior of your dog or cat and the behavior of your groomer when you hand them over and when you return to pick them up.

If you have a dog or cat that you plan to have groomed on a regular basis, you will want to find a good private pet groomer in a location that is convenient for you.

Before you schedule an appointment with

a groomer,

take your pet by for a visit and see how the groomer

interacts with it. Follow your instinct. Just by general observation,

you can tell if the groomer and the staff at the salon

have a love for animals and the concern for your pet that makes you feel com-fortable leaving your dog

or cat there.

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All of these areas of the body are highly re-lated to one another and are also highly com-plex. They can make a huge impact on the quality of one’s daily life.

These parts of the body can control every-thing from a person’s breathing and hearing to one’s sense of smell. Even a person’s feel-ing of balance when walking can be affected by an ear, nose or throat problem.

It is critical to choose an ear, nose and throat specialist who is highly com-petent and able to provide a precise diagnosis for a prob-lem. It is important to choose a specialist who will be able to treat any problems that one suffers.

If a person requires surgery, then he or she should invest even more time into choosing the right ear, nose and throat specialist. It is important to choose a specialist that one trusts and feels comfortable around.

It is a good idea to make sure the doctor has plenty of ex-perience in diagnosing ear, nose and throat issues, too. Be sure to find out how many years the doctor has been practicing this particular field of medicine.

It is a great idea to also find a doctor that makes use of technological advances in his or her work. As the client, you are entitled to the best treatment possible, which is often with the latest technological advances in the medical field. If a new piece of equipment re-quires that a person have special training or accreditation, then be sure to find a specialist with that background and experience.

You will likely want a doctor who can make

you look your best, too. There are some ear, nose, and throat specialists that also offer ba-sic cosmetic surgery procedures. These doc-tors provide Botox, Juvederm and Radiesse to make patients look great and feel young.

Some doctors can even perform eye lift sur-geries or nose jobs, which can make a person breathe better and clear the sinuses. There are wide-ranging practices that allow a doc-tor to help one’s sinuses get better.

The best thing to do is find a doc-tor with plenty of experience with the par-ticular problems you are facing. It is a good idea to find out if a doc-tor has treated patients with similar issues that you have. Only then will you be sure that a doctor is doing everything he or she possibly can to alleviate one’s problems.

A general doctor will also be able to recommend

good specialists to you. A general practitioner is a great person to ask, especially because you likely trust your general doctor. He or she will be able to point you in the right direction. A general doctor is a great source of informa-tion for any sort of medical issue.

If you require surgery, then you will want to be absolutely positive your specialist is compe-tent in providing such a surgery. Make sure he or she has performed the procedure before and is able to handle your medical issue with ease, skill and knowledge.

Having a problem with your ear, nose or throat can be annoying and even frightening.

When searching for recommendations, it is

a good idea to

ask family or friends for doctor

recommendations.There are also plenty of

online Web sites that pro-vide reviews of ear, nose

and throat specialists. These Web sites can be a rich source of informa-tion for choosing a doc-tor with good reviews.

how to how to Choose An Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist

how to guide

WI-5001302025


how to how to Choose A Garden Center

Although the perfect looking pictures can make your mouth water, not everyone wishes to start their spring garden from seeds. There are many other options to consider when planning the garden of your dreams.

In many cases you will have more than one choice for a garden center in your area. Choos-ing the right one for you may be confusing.

Ask yourself what features are important to you. It is simple to become familiar with the industry as long as you pay attention to a few key things.

how long have they been in busi-ness?The longer a garden center has been in busi-ness, the more likely they are to have great ser-vice and offer quality plants.

Even if the greenhouse or garden center has changed ownership, it is likely that there has been a continuation of business practices. While the length of time in business isn’t nec-essarily the only thing to be considered, it is a good indication of sound business practices.

Many times when a business is sold the origi-nal owners stay on to provide training to new employees and owners to help with a smooth transition. This process of a smooth transition can often be a good indication of good manage-ment as well.

is the garden center local or national?Sometimes this can be difficult to determine. In many cases, garden centers may belong to a franchise and get their plants from other areas while having a local management team. This can make it more difficult to have control over the final product that you may buy.

A greenhouse that grows all of their own plants from seeds has full control over their inventory. The closer the plant is grown to where it will eventually be gardened, the better the end re-sults will likely be.

It is important to understand that plants are shipped in very small containers for long dis-tances. This can cause the plants to be subject to more plant diseases, most of which won’t be

apparent until the plant is already in your gar-den.

open pollinated, genetically modified or organic?Anyone who has spent any time digging in the dirt knows the meaning of these buzz words. Recently they have made it to the top of all gar-dening organizations.

Open pollinated designates a seed or plant that will reproduce itself purely if seed is properly saved from the fruit of the plant. An organic seed or plant has been produced without arti-ficial or chemical pesticides. Genetically modi-fied plants are created by laboratory technol-ogy that manipulates the plant’s genes. For example, instead of mixing two different kinds of corn to create one that is more resistant to diseases, they may combine genes from corn and a totally unrelated tomato plant. These modifications do not happen naturally in the breeding process.

People are very wary of genetically altered seeds and plants. The truth is that there are many advantages to this type of plant. On com-mercial farms, this type of plant can give distinct advantages over those that are not genetically modified. In a backyard garden however, this is usually not necessary.

When shopping at a garden center, you should know what types of plants are being offered. Many will have identifying points listed on the tag. If not, you should check with the staff to get information. Generally, commercial crops are more likely to have genetic modification done on them.

There are many other points to consider that will help you make the right decision about a garden center or greenhouse. All else being equal, spend some time visiting all of the op-tions. You may find a combination from several provide you with the best results.

It’s important to feel free to shop around and compare prices. Customer service is also very important. Generally, gardeners are friendly and knowledgeable and always happy to give you pointers. You should find that the garden center you choose is informative and friendly.

As spring draws near, the birds start to come out of hiding and many people begin to turn their attention to gardening. Starting in January, mailboxes throughout America begin to be stuffed with seed catalogs.

Manitowoc County’sDestination Garden Center

Independently owned and operated bythe Roorbach Family since 1952.

Growing the plants we sellfrom seed or vegetative cuttings

specifically for our Northeast Wisconsingrowing conditions.

Garden Center Hours:(beginning May 9)Mon ~ Fri 8:30~8:00Sat 8:30~5:00Sun 10:00~4:00

Classes & Workshops scheduled for this Spring.Check our website for the calendar.

flower shoptropical plant conservatorycoffee shopgarden center S. 29th &Custer

Manitowoc920.682.6331

www.roorbachflowers.com

Roorbach’s

Our staff isProven Winners Certified

to answer yourgardening and plant care questions.

WI-5

0013

0202

1


how to how to Choose A Salon

Because appearances are so powerful in our society, choosing the right salon is a must. Whether you only want a simple trim or an entirely new look with a manicure and pedi-cure, there is a salon for you.

To get started, here are some tips that will help you choose the right salon:First, a great idea is to ask for references. It makes sense to ask for referrals from peo-ple who have their hair done in a way that you love. Perhaps you adore your best friend’s haircut or a neighbor’s perfect trim.

Whatever the case, simply ask where they get their hair done. Also, be sure to get the specific name of a hair styl-ist at the salon so you know exactly how to achieve your friend’s hair style.

It pays to ask for referrals from friends or neighbors because you may even get a discount for being referred. Some salons offer a price break for referrals, as well as the person who referred them. Also, remember to ask for referrals for manicures, pedicures or waxing procedures.

You can also check the yellow pages for the phone number of a salon. This can be a good way to make sure a salon is actually located near your home or still exists. After checking the phone book, it can be helpful to run an Internet search for the salon as well.

Be sure to check out a salon’s Web site. By looking at a salon’s site, you can gauge the type of atmosphere at the salon and the types of things they do. For example, if you simply want an affordable trim, then a luxury boutique salon is probably not the best place to go for a cheap haircut. On the

other hand, if you want an entirely new look and are willing to spend money on it, then a luxury boutique salon may be the perfect place to visit.

It is also a good idea to check out the hours and location of a salon. Check to see whether or not the salon is located near your home. It is also a good idea to see if the salon’s hours work for you. It may or may not be worth it to travel an hour, just to get a simple trim hair cut.

Many people go to get a mani-cure or eyebrow wax during their lunch hour. How-ever, if a salon is located far from your workplace, then this option is cut out entire-ly. Make sure to find a salon with a location and hours that work for you.

Before getting your haircut, be sure to know ex-actly how much

the cut will cost. You do not want to spend a fortune without realizing it.

If you still have questions, then speaking with a receptionist at the salon is always a great idea. It is his or her job to answer any questions you have and make you feel at ease with the salon.

Consultations with hair stylists are a great idea for those looking to get a new hair styl-ist. A hair stylist can discuss your hair type and face shape with you in order to find the best possible hair style for you.

After finding the best salon, it is easy to relax and enjoy the hair styling process.

Choosing the perfect salon is crucial to highlights that look great or a manicure that lasts for weeks. Many people find they need their bangs trimmed or a blow-out, but they have no idea which salon to try.

tip:bring in a picture of the hair style you

want to emulate. This can be a great way to show a stylist exactly

what you want.

how to guide

GJS SALON AND SPASalon ServicesPrecision Haircutting Updos, Haircoloring, Perming,JaneIredale Mineral Make-up,Hair Removal,Massage, Pedicures,Manicures, Gel Nails, Ear Peircing & Ear Candling, EyelashExtensions, Body Wraps, Tanning and Fitness, Spray Tanning,EBR Body Detox, Hair Smoothing Treatment, Red LightTherapy, & Aqua Massage.

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how to how to Choose A Bookstore

For readers or people who love to give books, the bookstore is still very important. Choos-ing the bookstore which will be part of your life is a fun decision to make. There are sev-eral factors which might influence your deci-sion. In a metropolitan area, there are often many bookstores to choose from.

genre bookstoresSome bookstores try to fill a niche by focus-ing on one or two genres. These bookstores usually also offer a more general selection so as to appeal to a wider audience. There are mystery bookstores, spirituality bookstores, fantasy bookstores and others.

general bookstoresOther bookstores stock books in all genres, which is great if you have eclectic taste. Some general bookstores build up their selection of books from one particular genre.

special services by bookstoresGuidAncE on whAt to rEAd: A new, personal touch that many bookstores have added is a shelf of books recommended by their staff. This can yield good suggestions for your next read. Some bookstores employ ex-perts in particular genres. These employees can help you find good books for your taste.

SPEciAl ordErS, mAil ordEr: Many bookstores do a lot of special ordering for their customers. The service is quick and free. You can request whether you would like to be notified with a phone call or email when your order arrives. Also, local bookstores do a lot of shipping, even for their local custom-ers. The order often comes directly from their supplier and the service is quick and reliable.

SErvinG thEir community: Some book-stores feel like a gathering place for commu-nity. If this is important to you, shop around until you find the bookstore with the large bul-letin board, coffee shop and special events involving local authors, graphic designers or others involved with books. You’ll feel in-formed about your community and probably

meet like-minded people.

SuPPortinG locAl Art: You may have a taste for art as well as books, so you might find a bookstore that exhibits local art.

invitinG PAtronS to StAy AwhilE: If you like to read in a comfortable chair, you’ll probably find a bookstore that caters to you. It is now common to see armchairs next to lovely tables and lamps where the shopper can enjoy reading in the store before decid-ing to buy.

used bookstoresSome people choose to buy used books as well as new. Bookstores sometimes sell both types. A used bookstore might be a way for you to recycle books you’ve read and decided not to keep. Sometimes you can earn money for your books, and sometimes you receive store credit. If you love to buy books, the store credit might be just the thing for you.

pricingBookstores have varied pricing. If you need to save money, check out rewards programs. Some bookstores offer discounts after you have bought a certain number of books, or spent a certain amount of money. Some-times the coffee shops within bookstores have a similar discount program. Also, be sure to get on the email or mailing list, if available, so that you can learn about special sales and promotions.

bookstores for gift-givingBooks make wonderful gifts. Check whether the bookstore offers free gift wrapping ser-vices and check on their mail order service. If they sell greeting cards for you to enclose with your purchase, they are the one-stop shop you need. If they sell gift cards and gift certificates, ask to see them so you’ll know whether they would make an attractive gift.

The bookstores of today must compete for customers, so their selection, services and environment can truly be outstanding.

The bookstore has not yet been replaced by elec-tronic readers such as the Kindle or by on-line book shopping sites such as Amazon.

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how to how to Choose Your Television Service

how to guide

Cable TVCable TV is a paid TV service. Cable TV is sat-ellite TV that uses a series of communication satellites orbiting the earth. The signals (chan-nels) are picked up by multiple satellite dishes and fed to a central location called a headend. From the headend, the signals (channels) are combined and fed throughout the community via a system of cables to your home. Channel selection, convenience and local government channels are among the strong points for ca-ble programming. It also carries more band-width than traditional over-the-air broadcast, which allows for more channels and doesn’t require an external antenna. Cable also deliv-ers channels in High Definition (HD). However, cable television is usually only available in urbanized or developed areas. This type of programming also tends to be less friendly on your budget.

Satellite TVSatellite TV is a paid TV service. Like cable TV, it uses a series of communication satellites orbiting the earth to send signals directly to subscribers’ households through an installed satellite dish. This type of programming vir-tually eliminates the “middleman” and deliv-ers clear, crisp signals directly to your house. Channel selection, quality, availability and cost of programming are among the strong points for satellite programming. It offers more channel selections than over-the-air broadcasts and offers even more program-ming than cable TV. Satellite TV is available anywhere, even in undeveloped areas. Local channels are also available in programming packages as well as HD channels. Satellite TV requires the installation of a satellite dish somewhere on your property.

What to look for in your television providerDwight & Shirley Lesperance, owners of Country Satellite Sales and Service in Two Rivers, recommend a series of checkpoints when considering a provider for your televi-sion service. These points include:

Know your provider• Television is important to you. Staying LOCAL means there will always be a quick response if you have a question or require service. Not all providers are local. Not all providers will service your units.

• When you decide on a type of TV service, do the research. Read the paper or look in the phone book. Local advertisers should be local providers of service and maintenance.

Know programming packages and costs• It is also important to consider the pack-aging and channel selections when choos-ing your provider. As stated above, not all providers have the same channel selections nor offer the same prices. Country Satellite Sales & Service, which is an authorized Rep-resentative of DISH Network Satellite Televi-sion Service, is not only local, but also ser-vices its customers 7 days a week (holidays included.)

• Make sure all costs are noted up front. Many providers have hidden fees and surcharges. DISH Network prides itself on being the lowest price television service anywhere. Cable and satellite providers offer different packages depending on channel selection and quality of programming. For example, High Definition lovers, DISH Network offers more HD chan-nels than any other provider, more than 1,500 hours a week to be exact. There is a program-ming package that is right for everyone!

Know what the provider offersIt is important to know the benefits the pro-vider offers. What hours during the day are they available? Weekends? Holidays? Will they service your installed units? Providers should not only provide you with service, but also be available for any questions you might have. Select a provider that not only offers programming that is right for you, but also services it, is local and trusted, and will be there when you need them the most.

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how to how to Choose A Caterer

Not only must a caterer be able to produce high-quality, delicious food, but he or she must also be professional, timely and dedi-cated to his or her responsibilities. Party hosts should take certain precautions in or-der to ensure that the caterer they choose is of the highest caliber.

First of all, you must never try to hire your ca-terer at the last minute. You will want to interview repre-sentatives from various ca-tering companies in order to locate the best one for your purposes; this takes a con-siderable amount of time and planning.

Your interviews with these representatives are vital in selecting the best company for your event. When speak-ing with different caterers, there are a number of dif-ferent criteria that you must keep in mind. For instance, all caterers should possess positive ratings from your state or local health depart-ment as proof of their safe and sanitary cooking meth-ods. This will also reflect the company’s standard of quality.

After locating a caterer whose food seems ideal for your event, you should discuss your schedule with them. It is generally not a wise decision to hire a caterer that seems incredibly busy; you want your ca-terer to be able to devote as much time and energy possible to your specific event. If the caterer cannot fit you into their schedule with ease, then you should consider looking else-where.

Knowledgeable caterers are also extremely beneficial when planning a party or other cel-ebration. Especially if you are not familiar with the catering process, a patient and informa-tive caterer can prove invaluable in teaching you about what types and amounts of nour-ishment would be suitable for your event.

Some companies specialize in catering themed parties and can help you select the spread that would perfectly complement your festivities. Other caterers can be immensely helpful in providing you with basic informa-tion such as the types of food that are most popular amongst your targeted guests.

If you can locate a caterer that is willing to help you with the planning process of your meal and hors d’ouevres, their assistance would truly prove to be invaluable.

Finally, it is al-ways a good idea to check a com-pany’s reputation before making any monetary com-mitments to it. Ask the caterer’s representat ives for references that you can call in or-der to discuss the company’s work. In addition, the In-ternet is always an excellent source of reviews from past customers.

After ensuring that the company is reliable and of an excellent quality, you can feel free to hire your caterer if you so wish. Be sure that you have a clear budget in mind before initiating the catering process.

You should also have certain information, such as the number of visitors that you are expecting and the general type of fare that you wish to provide, prepared when you call a company.

From here, the caterer will expertly guide you through the party-planning process. So long as you have chosen your caterer with care, then your event is sure to be an overall suc-cess.

When catering your party or special event, it is vital that you hire a caterer of the best possible quality in order to ensure that every aspect of your celebration is a success.

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how to how to Choose A Hotel

how to guide

Of course, a night or longer in a hotel is only required if the travel distance is farther than a comfortable day of driving. Fortunately, several different choices and classes of ho-tels exist that can easily accommodate the needs of just about any traveler or traveling party.

In fact, specific hotel brands are built that cater to business travelers, leisure travelers, families, and even those looking for the low-est possible price. Learning how to choose a hotel is a skill that is developed over time.

Choosing a hotel to fit a specific group of needs is often a painstaking process that requires a fair bit of research. For many cor-porate or business travelers, hotel reserva-tions are generally taken care of by company travel agents, which greatly uncomplicated their scenario.

However, frequent business travelers should request a particular hotel brand that offers incentive programs or credits for every stay. This technique can produce impressive trav-el discounts or free merchandise for employ-ees who have to hit the road often.

Selecting a hotel for leisure or vacation pur-poses is an altogether different task. While the Internet is a powerful tool that can as-sist in the research of a geographic area, pamphlets, brochures, and travel agents can also provide valuable insight into a particular hotel.

While a hotel may be geographically close to an attraction, that hotel or resort may have other disadvantages that are not necessarily advertised on a Web site or a brochure.

Of course, several hotels offer amenities such as continental breakfast, hot breakfast, workout rooms, pools, in-room coffee mak-ers, refrigerators, and even free high speed wireless Internet access.

Still, all these amenities or extras are often attached to a higher price tag. Therefore,

choosing the right hotel consists of balanc-ing the right mix of desired amenities, geo-graphic location and price. Finding that bal-ance requires a certain amount of research and a fair bit of experience.

Perhaps the best and easiest process in se-lecting a hotel is to first qualify each hotel by geographic location.

Different travelers have different needs when it comes to location. Perhaps a hotel close to the airport or attached to a conven-tion center is needed, or maybe an ocean front resort is necessary for a memorable family vacation. Location is of the utmost importance when selecting a hotel for any length of stay.

Amenities are also subjective to the needs of the traveler. However, any road tripper should be conscious of the fact that hotels with more amenities generally cost more than those that offer just a simple room.

Anyone who is price conscious is gener-ally better served by the lower nightly rate offered by bargain hotel chains. That being said, customers who desire hot coffee and breakfast in the morning, as well as a swim-ming pool and fitness center, are likely better served by mid-priced or higher priced hotel brands.

Once a hotel is selected, travelers then need to focus on price. Using different travel relat-ed Web sites to comparison shop the same travel dates for the same hotel is a great way to find the best deal.

Of course, signing up for the hotel’s mailing list or social media feed is also a great way to stay current on coupon codes or percent-age off deals. The greatest reward at stake for potential customers is having a pleasant, productive, and memorable trip. By complet-ing a little legwork a few weeks or several months prior to the trip, the reward can be well worth the time invested.

One of the most basic aspects of travel, whether for an overnight business trip or a family vacation, is the requirement of a hotel stay.

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how to how to Choose A Mattress

Now that you know you need a new mattress, where do you go from here? Lets face it buying a mattress is hard, you have to go into a store and put yourself in a vulnerable position in front of a stranger (the salesperson) to buy a prod-uct you know little to nothing about. Even after hours of research online it is easy to be more confused than when you started. Here are key areas to focus on that will make it easier:

• First, make sure that the mat-tress has enough support. No, that doesn’t mean it has to be as hard as a brick! This is why it is vital to take your time test resting the mattress during the buying process. Yes, that means lay down! In fact, there are different types of support in-cluding:

o Conventional innersprings that combine a minimum number of coils (350 in a queen) with a specific design (to read and respond to your body), durability (thick wire lasts longer) and comfort lay-ers to make the mattress firm, plush or pillow/euro top.

o Alternative sleep systems include Memory foam, Latex foam and Airbeds. This cat-egory of sleep products really focuses on reducing pressure points and increasing comfort while not sacrificing support. Their support comes from different cell structures. For example, memory and latex use the resiliency in materi-als to provide support to your back and spine. While airbeds use a bladder design with a pump to increase or decrease support as needed.

• Second are the comfort layers. They will most directly affect how quickly you fall asleep and how long you will stay asleep. Each person will “feel” the comfort of a mat-tress differently. What feels too soft to one per-son can feel too firm for the very next, it is ex-tremely important to find the best comfort for your body. Oh yah, did I mention you WILL need to lay down and stay there for a bit?

• Specialty sleep products are the items that can be added to the new mattress that en-hance the sleeping experience. Power founda-

tions are a perfect example and can be added to any of the sleep systems above. A power foundation gives you the freedom to change the shape of your mattress to fit a specific need. If you need to raise your legs to help with circulation or have acid reflux and need to sleep with your head slightly elevated then a power foundation would be a beneficial to your overall health. They can also be used to find more comfortable sleep-ing positions or just to massage you to sleep at night. At any rate, adding a power foundation

can really provide tremendous sleep options! P.S. Don’t forget to lay down and put your feet up when choosing a new mattress!

The very first place to start is in your bedroom, many ask how do I know if I need a new mattress? The Better Sleep Council (www.bettersleep.org) of-fers four signs that your current mattress may need to be replaced.

• “You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains.”

• “You had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)”

• “Your Mattress shows visible signs of overuse (it sags, has lumps, the interior is exposed, etc).”

• “Your mattress is 5 - 7 years old”

When choosing your new mattress:• Wear comfortable clothes.

• If you have a partner that will be sleeping with you, they should come too.

• Try to limit the number of mattress you lay on in any one shopping experience. Any more than 6 and it will become dif-ficult for your body to “feel” the difference.

• Get the biggest size mattress your room can hold. The more sleeping space you have the bet-ter you will sleep.

• Buy the best quality that you can afford, you will spend 3 of the next 10 years in bed and you are worth it!

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how to how to Choose A Handgun

Being properly informed is your first step on the road to responsible gun ownership.

size and caliberWhatever your level of ability, there is usu-ally a handgun on the market that will fit your needs, both technically and physically. It’s a good idea to always make sure you physically shop for a handgun at some point, regardless of how you intend to buy it.

Pistols comes in many shapes, sizes and cali-bers, and the choice might seem a bit over-whelming. The first thing you should consider is size. If you aren’t going to be carrying the pistol on your person, a larger framed pistol will serve you just fine. You’ll be able to hold more ammunition in the magazine, and your recoil and sighting will be much more man-ageable.

If you’re trying to find a handgun to carry concealed, a smaller pistol will serve you bet-ter. While you won’t have the weight to help absorb recoil, or the longer sight plane, you won’t have to worry about it nearly as much. Most concealed carry guns are designed to be used at close ranges, as well as remain hidden when not in use.

Caliber is an important consideration as well. Larger caliber weapons will deal more dam-age with every hit, but at the cost of recoil and size of the weapon. While your objective shouldn’t be to kill an attacker, you’ll want to choose a large enough caliber to put a stop to any threat you might face. Smaller calibers will work better for novice shooters and those who need a smaller weapon outright.

other things to considerThere are a few other important decisions to make when it comes to choosing your hand-gun to make sure you’re buying the correct weapon. First off, you should be able to op-erate the weapon easily and without compli-cation. Take time to learn about the gun you choose, and make sure you know about load-ing, firing and switching the safety on and off before you attempt to use the weapon.

When it comes to handguns, there are two variations: the automatic and the revolver. The automatics are the typical clip-fed mod-ern handgun and usually come in smaller calibers, also known as “auto calibers.” Auto-matics are complicated machines and can be trickier to clean and operate than a revolver, but they make up for it by being fast to fire and easy to reload.

Revolvers are much simpler machines and have been around a lot longer than automat-ics. They have a wider range of calibers avail-able, are easier to clean, but firing speed and reload time is significantly reduced. A revolver is a good option for a beginner, but there are good automatics for novices as well.

It is more important to have a gun with point-and-shoot accuracy instead of sighted ac-curacy when it comes to self-defense. If you are being assaulted, you are probably not go-ing to have the need to draw a bead on your attacker, nor will you have the time. When you’re shooting for self-defense, you’re usu-ally firing fast and instinctively, so it’s good to have a gun that reflects your firing style.

warningsAs with any weapon, be familiar with the use and care of your gun before you attempt to deploy it in a self-defense maneuver. Spend plenty of time with your weapon at the firing range and become familiar with the limita-tions of your weapon.

Responsible gun ownership starts with gun safety. Always make sure you are handling your weapon in a manner that is safe for you and those around you, and never leave your pistol where children can get their hands on it. Always treat the weapon like it’s loaded, and never point at anyone you don’t intend to shoot.

If you have further questions, your local gun shop will be the place to get answers. The staff is very passionate about their trade and will be more than happy to help you se-lect a weapon within your price range and abilities.

Choosing a handgun, whether for home defense or concealed carry, is a decision which takes a lot of consideration.

how to guide

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how to how to Choose An RV

A little research will go a long way toward mak-ing sure you get the best deal for your money, as well as making sure your RV is functional for years to come.

A good resource when you’re getting ready for your first RV is other RV owners. If you have friends or family who are RV owners, ask to see their vehicles. Walk around and get a feel for what your money will buy you, which brands stand the test of time and which don’t, as well as what issues RV owners of today seem to have problems with.

Also, it’s a good idea to research on the Inter-net. RV message boards are a dime a dozen as the nomadic lifestyle becomes more popular, and by reading up on brands and styles, you’ll save yourself a lot of wondering at the lot.

Much like used cars, RVs are available previ-ously owned from both dealers and private parties. These can range from affordable trail-ers or campers which fit on the back of a truck, to ultra-luxury “land yachts” with features such as plasma TVs and full-service kitchens. Know-ing what you want out of your RV experience is important.

Ask yourself questions about what you want out of your RV. What kind of size, style, or brand are you looking for? How much are you willing to spend? Are you intent on the idea of a new RV or are you willing to buy a used one? What level of service fits you best?

Answering these questions, as well as any oth-ers you can think of, will put you on the sales-man’s level when you reach the lot, and you’ll be able to converse confidently without be-coming confused.

Size is an important issue with RVs as well. Will you be living out of your vehicle for an extend-ed period of time while you tour the country, or will you be using it for one or two vacations a year? How many people will typically be travel-ing with you? Some RV parks have restrictions on size, so which RV’s are more widely accept-ed than others?

If you’re buying from a dealer, you’ll want to be sure that they offer a factory warranty, as well as a vehicle report if you’re buying used. These reports are common in the car industry, but pitiful few potential RV buyers ever request one.

There’s a bevy of damaged and repaired vehi-cles on both the used and new RV markets, and requesting a Carfax report, or a report from a similar service, is essential to making sure your new RV didn’t spend a month underwater be-fore you bought it.

Checking with the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general’s office will help you find dealers who garner a large number of complaints, or even lawsuits. By studying the data from these sources, you won’t be able to find a reputable dealer, but it will help rule out the sellers you want to avoid.

Many dealers will also provide incentives to buy from them, such as free upgrades or excel-lent terms of finance. While these add-ons can rope you in, always be skeptical of whether or not you’re getting a good deal, or if you’re just being suckered into a bad one.

Once again, education on the subject comes in handy here. It’s a good idea to take an RV owner with you to the lot, if possible. Most RV owners will be able to share their experiences and assure that you don’t get snowed under by special deals designed to rid the lot of faulty merchandise or overpriced vehicles.

If you need a bit more out of your RV, consider a made-to-order model. Many manufacturers will gladly build a particular model to customer specification if the features you want are not available. Some dealers will even make an ef-fort to retro-fit existing models, both used and new, with features you desire.

Make sure your dealer has an on-site service department, or at the very least a contract with a reputable RV repair shop. RV repairs are very specialized and different from regular vehicles, and the last thing you want is to have an awe-some warranty on your RV that is backed up by a sub-par service shop.

With a little bit of research, you can make a wise choice in your RV, and probably get an ex-cellent deal to boot. Browse many lots, many Web sites, and talk to RV owners to see what they say about particular models or manufac-turers. Read magazines with reviews on RVs, especially the type you’re looking for.

By educating yourself, you’ll ensure that you get the most out your RV for years to come.

When you’re ready to buy a recreational vehicle, there are going to be a lot of questions running through your mind.

how to guide

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how to how to Make Your Legs Feel and Look Better

They typically occur when a valve becomes weak and blood pools around the vein. When a valve is weakened, blood flows in the oppo-site direction. This is what makes a varicose vein appear larger than normal. The problem is called chronic venous insufficiency.

Varicose veins can be caused during preg-nancy and for many other reasons includ-ing obesity, changes in hormones, lack of ex-ercise, exposure to the sun, aging and one’s medical history. The problem of varicose is far more than cosmet-ic – the pain, swelling and leg fatigue can dis-courage an active life-style, and severe vari-cose veins can cause chronic infections and skin ulcerations.

Fortunately, there are medical procedures that can make varicose veins vanish. Some procedures are not invasive and do not re-quire any bed rest time after the procedure has been done.

One of the older pro-cedures is sclerotherapy. This involves a physi-cian injecting a chemical directly into the vari-cose vein. After liquid is injected into the vein, then the vein will constrict and blood will cease to flow to the vein. The vein then turns into a scar and the discolored appearance will van-ish. The process of making the veins disappear will typically take a few weeks. Immediately after the procedure, a woman can go back to work and be on her feet. Complications of this procedure can be an intense inflammatory re-action to the sclerotherapy agent in the area surrounding the injected vein.

The latest technologies are called catheter

technologies. Under a local anesthetic, a cath-eter, about the thickness of a spaghetti noodle, is inserted into the vein to heat it from within and seal it off, rather than removing it. The doctor pulls the device through the vein, using either radiofrequency (RF) energy or laser to

heat the vein walls and cause them to collapse inward on themselves. Once the vein is sealed, the body automati-cally re-routes blood flow through healthier vessels and normal circulation is restored. The varicosity symp-toms quickly dissipate, and the sealed vein is eventually absorbed by the body.

Lasers operate at extremely high tem-peratures – over 800 degrees Fahrenheit – which can be traumatic to the tissues, causing pain and bruising. Ra-dio frequency operates at much lower temper-atures – comparable to the Low setting on a crock pot – and is more comfortable for the patient. Both de-vices are effective.

The last option for removing varicose veins is surgery. Surgery is typically performed on very large varicose veins. For veins greater than 3 millimeters, laser or radio frequency surgery will not be adequate. Under surgery, a patient will have to be put on general anesthesia. Tiny cuts will be made into the varicose vein until it is fully removed. A patient will not be able to resume normal activity after surgery and will require up to eight weeks of bed rest.

If one has chronic venous insufficiency, vari-cose veins may be prevented by wearing med-ical grade compression stockings.

Varicose veins are an age old problem.

Varicose veins can be caused during pregnancy and for many other reasons including obesity, changes in hor-mones, lack of exercise, exposure to the sun, aging and one’s medi-cal history. The problem of varicose is far more than cosmetic – the pain, swelling and leg fatigue can discourage an active lifestyle, and severe varicose veins can cause chronic infections and skin ulcerations.

how to guide

WI-5001301254


The tap water that runs from your faucets and sinks can contain several components such as chlorine, fluoride, calcium deposits and other added minerals. It may be neces-sary to consider a different route when it comes to drinking water.

Those other components of tap water can cause the water to taste different from puri-fied water you would buy in a convenience store. Having too large an amount of calcium deposits in tap water can be characterized as “hard” water, which can be thought of as unclean. However, simply hiring a water treatment company can take care of that problem.

These companies use advanced technology to filter tap water to get rid of all of its dangerous contaminants so it can do ab-solutely no harm to a person’s body. Drinking this purified wa-ter can provide you with a clean, purified drink without the taste of chlorine or fluoride that tap water seems to gives you.

Most of these water treatment companies will make the job even easier for you by de-livering the purified water bottles straight to your home or office so don’t have to continu-ally go to the store to buy more.

You will also ultimately want to look at how much you are willing to spend for bottled or treated water. Some companies can be very expensive, and others might not provide the highest quality of water available. You will want to do research on the different brands so you can compare the different pricing, quality, purity, benefits and healthiness to better insure you will be purchasing exactly what you want.

Since you’re probably using your purified water for several things such as drinking and cooking, it’s also better to decide whether you use a treated water company or bottled

water based on how much water you need in everyday use.

Sometimes it is easy to confuse purified bot-tled water from natural spring water. Spring water comes from underground and has a natural purifier from flowing down rocks and streams, which gives it the healthy minerals that are actually good for your body.

Purified drink-ing water is taken through several filter processes that make it dis-tilled and deion-ized to give it a pure, clean taste. This also creates another decision when it comes to drinking bottled water because the minerals in natural springs can give you special vita-mins and minerals such as bicarbon-ate, which helps with your diges-

tive system, magnesium, which is vital to the structure and function of your body, and sodium, which helps regulate water in your body.

It might be hard to find the right water treat-ment company depending on where you live and what you want. However, you should always inspect how different companies fil-ter water so that you can get exactly what you want when you drink the water and so you can know that what you are drinking is healthy and right for you and those living in your household.

Purified water is definitely something you would want to consider if you dislike the qual-ity and taste of your tap water. Even though it might save you money, purified water is a better solution when it comes to the health of your body.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether your tap water is as clean and purified as you think it is.

Water treatment companies can

provide you with water in gallons at a time, which can be much more conve-

nient than having to buy 16- or 20-ounce bottles at your local

grocery stores.

how to how to Choose A Water Treatment Company and Bottled Water

CareSoft Pro®

Highly Efficient Softening.Amazingly Smart Performance.

Since 1946, WaterCare and its familyof professional dealers have offeredonly the best in water treatmentequipment. The CareSoft Pro

Series of equipment is the newest and most advanced systemwithin our extensive line-up of proven solutions. CareSoftPro softeners feature a highly advanced control system withamazing operating efficiencies. By tracking your water usageand automatically adjusting itself, this system can keep pacewith all your clean water needs... even with on-the-go lifestylesand ever-changing schedules. Once your WaterCare dealerhas thoroughly tested your water, all CareSoft Pro operatingparameters can be set to effectively remove unwanted hardnessand minerals. This programming versatility is key to minimizingwater and salt consumption from the first day of operation. It’sthe one system designed for a custom fit.

2513 Marshall St.(920) 682-0093Manitowoc

1-800-236-0093

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