Rising prices, depreciating property values and stagnant salaries are forcing many American homeowners to sell their homes.
(NewsUSA) - For many Americans, good credit isn’t here to stay -; rising costs are putting many formerly well-to-do homeowners behind on their mortgage payments.
In April 2008, delinquencies on prime loans, a $12 million dollar market, doubled. And the economy doesn’t look to have an upswing anytime soon. Home prices continue to drop. In July, the unemployment rate reached a four-year high. Homeowners face higher bills but make less money.
Adjustable mortgages, which were appealing when property values were on the increase and interest rates were low, now mire many Americans in financial danger zones. Some borrowers will see their interest and principal payments more than double even as their homes lose value. Many homeowners will not be able to cover their debts even if they sell their homes.
At the same time, banks feel more reluctant to approve or refinance loans. In this environment, default and bankruptcy rates look likely to increase. Between April and July, California alone reported 121,000 notices of default on loans.
Some companies are looking to navigate the down housing market, not only to turn a profit, but also to help homeowners recover their homes. For example, Deer Park Development Corporation, a Nevada-based company, buys foreclosed homes in Arizona, Nevada, California and Florida. With over 35 years of experience in real estate, the corporation’s brokers and agents know how to identify the homes that will turn a profit.
When the company finds a promising home, it works with the homeowner or bank to purchase the home at a 50 percent discount. The company negotiates with homeowners so that people can rent their homes after the sale. When the lease expires, Deer Park Development Corporation allows former homeowners to repurchase their properties at a predetermined price.
Currently, the company is searching for investors looking to profit from the down housing market. For more information, visit http://www.deerparkdevelopmentcorp.com .
Innovative surgical techniques and joint replacements are helping arthritic baby boomers maintain healthy and active lifestyles as they age.
(NewsUSA) - As they approach retirement, many members of the “Me Generation” aren’t ready to slow down, even if their bodies are. Foot and ankle surgeons say baby boomers are more likely than previous generations to seek care when arthritis develops in their toes, feet and ankles.
“Unlike their parents, baby boomers do not accept foot pain as a natural part of aging,” says John Giurini, DPM, a Boston foot and ankle surgeon and president of the 6,000-member American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “When conservative treatments fail, they want to know what other options exist.”
After they’re diagnosed, many boomers hold high expectations for treatment. They may look forward to playing sports or to running again. While there is no fountain of youth for a degenerative condition like arthritis, there are more medical options available than ever before.
The big toe joint is the most common part of the foot to develop osteoarthritis, according to FootPhysicians.com. For boomers with early-stage arthritis in this joint, modern surgical procedures may provide more pain relief and increased joint movement.
Boomers with advanced and severe arthritis may need to have the joint fused or replaced. Now, stronger screws and hardware are helping fusions last longer, while slashing recovery times. A new generation of big toe joint replacements also shows promise.
Ankles are another prime spot for arthritis. Innovative surgical techniques allow foot and ankle surgeons to transplant small plugs of cartilage from one part of the ankle to another in some patients, slowing joint deterioration.
Ankle replacements, however, are not as durable as hip and knee replacements. The ankle is a more challenging joint to replace. It’s smaller and moves in multiple
directions. But better and promising ankle implants are hitting the market.
For more information on osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle, visit the ACFAS consumer Web site, http://www.FootPhysicians.com .
Avoiding Expensive Visits and Treatment Begins with Simple Changes at Home
But with the average household owning 1.7 dogs and 2.2 cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2007 survey, those visits can add up. Now more than ever, pet owners are seeking out ways to keep their vet bills down while maintaining the health and happiness of their pets.
“We’re all trying to trim daily expenditures to compensate for rising commodity costs, and unnecessary expenses are usually the first to go,” says Dr. Susan Lauten, pet expert and nutrition consultant. “While there may be health problems that require a vet’s treatment, many common pet ailments can be treated and prevented in more cost effective ways.”
Lauten offers five ways to help keep your pet healthy while reducing healthcare costs.
1. Good nutrition is the key to good health. Instead of skimping on your pet food budget, select high quality foods with high levels of meat proteins and whole grains. Healthy pets with strong immune systems, healthy coats and strong teeth are less susceptible to disease.
2. Feeding your pet a variety of foods can minimize the development of food allergies. By providing pets with different proteins and forms, like kibble, canned and raw frozen, the Rotation Diet from Nature’s Variety offers the full spectrum of nutrients cats and dogs need to avoid food-related health problems.
3. Keep your pet clean and parasite-free. Paying extra attention to grooming during the summer months can help avoid skin disease, parasite-related diseases from ticks and fleas, and hot spots.
4. Make sure your pet visits the veterinarian for regular checkups. It’s also important to talk to your veterinarian about the importance of proper nutrition and holistic healthcare options for your special pet.
5. If your pet shows signs of illness, be sure to visit your veterinarian right away. Early detection can reduce the overall cost of treatment.
Lauten stresses the fact that quality pet food should remain a financial priority. “Changing to a low quality food to save money can result in increased food requirements, poor immune health, decreased coat quality and poor skin health,” says Lauten. “In the end, it could result in more vet expenditures and more bills.”
Sage’s Story
Sage was dropped off at the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society in Vallejo, Calif., when she was just a puppy. The underweight Boxer was suffering from severe skin problems, was missing large patches of hair and was in generally poor health. The Director of Human Services, Peter Wilson, was deeply concerned for Sage’s well-being and considered a variety of options for treatment.
“Sage’s skin condition was from a lack of care and possible allergies,” says Wilson. “Nature’s Variety donated product to help with Sage and encouraged us to feed her a Rotation Diet with different forms of kibble, canned and raw frozen food, and different proteins such as chicken and duck.”
The variety of foods in the Rotation Diet provided Sage with more balanced nutrition, which helped to stabilize her health and combat any possible allergies. In a few weeks, Sage’s skin had begun to heal. Sage is now happy, healthy, allergy-free and living with her new adoptive family.
“Sage’s story is a perfect example of the effect a quality diet can have on a pet’s overall health,” says Lauten. “All it took was the implementation of a broader and balanced variety of foods to provide her with the nutrients she needed to get better.”
More Quality Now, Fewer Problems Later
Strong health starts with proper nutrition. Feeding a high-quality Rotation Diet will help keep pets in top condition so they are more resistant to health problems. Adding in exercise and routine check-ups will also ensure your dog or cat maintains optimal wellness.
For more information on the health benefits of balanced, nutritionally complete diets, as well as a feeding guide for determining your pet’s specific needs, visit www.naturesvariety.com .
