(NAPSI)—Planning ahead and budgeting for the cost of pet health could help you feel more prepared when you face a serious health situation with your pet.

“Determining how much we are willing or able to spend to sustain the life of a pet is a decision none of us ever wants to make, but given the rising cost of pet health care, it’s often an inevitable one,” said Dr. Jennifer Coates, a Colorado-based veterinarian and author.

According to a recent survey by The Kroger Co., approximately one in 10 dog or cat owners is willing to spend more than $3,000 on medical procedures if it meant that their pet could be saved. Meanwhile, a majority of pet owners (61 percent) surveyed said they would be willing to spend between $100 and $1,000 to save Fluffy or Fido’s life. Another 15 percent are comfortable spending between $1,000 and $3,000 for lifesaving medical care for their pet.

When asked what they fear most about their pet’s well-being, about one in four of dog owners said cancer (27 percent), followed by hip/knee/leg injury (17 percent) and getting hit by a car (16 percent). The biggest concern for cat owners was kidney disease (19 percent), cancer (17 percent) and injuries sustained by fights with other animals (10 percent).

Only a small percentage of the pet owners surveyed said they had pet insurance–4 percent of dog owners and 2 percent of cat owners. However, 61 percent of dog owners and 48 percent of cat owners said they would consider purchasing pet insurance if it costs under $20 per month.

Interestingly, at least half of pet owners (55 percent with dogs, 51 percent with cats) would be interested in adding their pets to their own health insurance plans, if such a thing were allowed.

“Veterinary care has become increasingly more sophisticated and expensive, with some lifesaving treatments running as high as $5,000 or more,” said Dr. Coates. “Those potential out-of-pocket costs are what make pet insurance a prudent investment. And from an emotional standpoint, pet insurance keeps owners from having to ask that dreaded question, ‘how much can I spend to keep my pet alive?’”

More information is available at www.savewithpetinsurance. com.

Potential out-of-pocket costs are what make pet insurance a prudent investment.

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Keep your home pet-friendly and fresh

(ARA) – Of course you love your pets, but let’s face it: Sometimes they smell. And whether you are hosting guests or trying to sell your home, the last thing you want visitors to remember is an offensive odor. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate those less-than-pleasant pet odors and let your home’s personality shine.

Refreshing walls
Paint is one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to give your home’s interior a new look, and now it can also give your home a new fresh scent. Dutch Boy’s Refresh paint features odor-eliminating technology from Arm & Hammer. It reduces odors caused by pets and other sources, keeping your home smelling as good as it looks. Proven to reduce household smells, a coat of Refresh paint will prevent bad odors from lingering for months. By trapping and neutralizing odor molecules, this paint doesn’t cover up unappealing smells, but actually reduces them. And Refresh paint is available in Dutch Boy’s broad range of colors, so you can reduce unpleasant smells without compromising your decorating taste.

Clean with steam
Even if your pet isn’t allowed on the furniture, your home furnishing fabrics are holding onto  unpleasant scents. Though you may vacuum regularly, animal hair and dander are trapped in the fibers of your cushions, curtains, sofa and other decor. Using a steam cleaner is the best way to eliminate bad smells in upholstered furniture and other items that cannot be laundered. Hire a professional service to treat the common areas in your home, or purchase a steam cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal. Deep-clean common area fabrics several times each year, and to help maintain a fresh smell day to day, use an odor-neutralizing fabric spray regularly.

Hit the floor
The biggest source of your home’s objectionable smell could be right under your feet. As anyone who has house-trained a pet knows, they don’t always get it right, and sometimes those accidents go unnoticed and cause stains to inevitably set in. To remove odors of any age, scrub bare floors with white vinegar and water or an odor-neutralizing cleaner, and thoroughly wash carpets and rugs using an odor-neutralizing shampoo. You can also hire a professional to clean the carpets and provide extra deodorizing treatments. If stains or smells remain, you’ll likely need to replace the carpet and padding. If this is the case, be sure to scrub the floor beneath before laying new carpet down. After the carpet has been thoroughly cleaned or replaced, regularly use carpet deodorizer formulated for pet odors when vacuuming.

Scented accessories
Tie a ribbon on your odor-free home with strategically placed candles and air fresheners. Choose classic scents that complement your decor, and use a variety throughout the home to avoid an overpowering result. Many candles and fresheners offer odor-neutralizing technology as well as pleasant scents, ensuring unfavorable smells are not only covered up but eliminated. Jars of potpourri or scented crystals add touches of personality to any room decor as well.

No matter what types or the number of pets that share your home, these tips will help keep it smelling fresh all year round.

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Charities tapping into social networks for support


(ARA) – The way we talk with our friends, the way we date, eat, watch TV, even the way we vote has been transformed by the sudden and overwhelming popularity of social media technology. Our activities in the actual world are becoming ever more deeply intertwined with our activities in the virtual world.

In their ongoing efforts to find new supporters and strengthen bonds with the ones they already have, charities, too, are flocking to social media. Unlike letters in your mailbox or TV commercials, digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter give charities a chance to engage supporters in emotionally powerful ways – ways that not only encourage monetary giving, but turn supporters into full-blown advocates.  

Take the example of the humanitarian organization CARE. In 1946, CARE began sending boxes of food and essential supplies to a Europe reeling from Second World War. The program resonated with so many senders and receivers that the phrase “care package” became a common synonym for any gift parcels sent to far-away friends and relatives. Today the organization is trying to tap into fond memories of this legacy through social media. At www.CAREpackage.org, CARE invites donors to fill a digital CARE Package with money supporting CARE’s long-term poverty fighting programs focusing on girls’ education, maternal health, and economic empowerment for women through microfinance and small business training. Where it differs most from traditional online giving is through functions allowing social network friends to build packages together – all connected through Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. CARE Package “senders” are also invited to educate themselves and their friends on key issues, and as well offer tools to reach out to elected representatives.

CARE is not alone in using social networking to generate support. Applications like TwitChange generate interest and big money for charitable causes by auctioning the opportunity to be followed, mentioned or retweeted by their favorite celebrities on Twitter.

Even large corporate givers with a big presence in traditional marketing venues are moving into the social media space. General Mills and Merck have teamed up for an online charitable giving project called Join My Village. Simply by clicking on hyperlinks to videos, visitors to www.JoinMyVillage.com can steer donations from the two corporations to a microsavings program helping rural girls and women in Malawi. Because the site interfaces with Facebook and Twitter, it’s easy for users to invite their social networks to participate, increasing total donations, but also awareness of poverty issues around the globe.

How charitable giving through social networking will evolve during the next years, or even the next 10 months, is anyone’s guess. A decade ago, few people (if anyone) predicted the social network-based advocacy and giving that’s exploding in popularity today. What is certain is that changes in technology inevitably create new ways for charities and supporters to connect.

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(NAPSI)—The nation’s leading emergency and resuscitation experts are working together to improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

The Problem

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating because of abnormal heart rhythms. Each year, an estimated 295,000 Americans die from SCA, as reported by the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update.

For three decades, there’s been no improvement in the national survival rate of 8 percent for SCA, and depending where you live, the survival rate could vary greatly.

The Solution

The HeartRescue Project is a new initiative to improve SCA procedures in three critical areas of response: bystanders, emergency medical services and hospital emergency rooms. To educate people and encourage the proper response to SCA, the Medtronic Foundation committed more than $15 million to initiate the HeartRescue Project. The project assembles the country’s leading emergency and resuscitation experts to expand successful response programs in five pilot states. The goal is to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates by at least 50 percent in five years in these states.

HeartRescue partners at the Universities of Arizona, Duke, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Washington and their partner agencies will coordinate proven protocols and high-tech treatments that show SCA is treatable.

“There is a 500 percent variation in survival after cardiac arrest,” said Dr. Graham Nichol, a HeartRescue partner at the University of Washington. “Many people don’t realize that cardiac arrest can be treated. In many regions, bystanders, emergency response and hospitals are not working together to help the patient.”

What You Can Do

Success begins with public bystanders. Communities with higher bystander CPR participation have higher SCA survival rates. Bystanders can take the following three steps to increase survival rates: Recognize the signs of SCA and call 911, begin CPR and find an automated external defibrillator (AED).

• Recognize the signs of SCA—If you see someone suddenly collapse, lose consciousness and stop breathing, that person could be experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Immediately call 911.

• Perform CPR-Begin hands—only CPR: Push hard and fast on the chest-about 100 compressions a minute. Let the chest rise completely between compressions.

• Find an AED—Continue chest compressions until emergency personnel arrive. If possible, have someone get an automated external defibrillator, turn it on and follow the directions.

More Information

You can learn more about this initiative at www.medtronic.com/foundation and www.heartrescueproject.com.

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The Risk of Roaches: How to Keep Your Home Allergen Free (353) (NewsUSA) – For 23 million Americans — including 7 million children — spring showers bring more than rejuvenation. They bring sniffles, sneezes and wheezing that could only mean allergy season is around the corner. But before you run for cover indoors this spring, take heed: One of the most dangerous allergens may be crawling inside your home. Cockroaches spread nearly 33 different kinds of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms and seven kinds of human pathogens. And although this gross factor alone is huge, the biggest health threat comes from the skin and fecal droppings the critters leave behind. “Cockroach allergens accumulate as a result of droppings and shed skins, which can trigger asthma attacks in adults and children,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The increased risk of an asthma attack is most pronounced in children. Recent medical studies have targeted cockroach allergens as the trigger for numerous allergic reactions and as the main cause of missed school days. If you do see a cockroach scuttling across your floor, Henriksen advises to watch for a larger problem. “Unfortunately, if you see one cockroach, there are sure to be many more. Proper control and removal is needed to prevent the build-up of cockroach allergens and the spread of bacteria.” Cockroaches are most active when temperatures reach 70 degrees or above and thrive in warm, dark and moist places. NPMA offers these helpful tips for keeping cockroaches out of your home this spring: Vacuum. Early and often is best for reducing harmful cockroach allergens. Keep a spotless kitchen. To prevent infestations, keep all your food and garbage in sealed containers and dispose of regularly. Clean behind and under appliances regularly, as these are favorite hiding spots for cockroaches. Ventilate. Air out basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture. Seal the entrances. Close off cracks and holes around utility pipes that provide easy access to your home. Act quickly. If you find evidence of an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem. To find one in your area, visit www.pestworld.org.

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Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have techs check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

(NAPSI)-When buying a car, there’s more to consider than the make and model. Price, size, gas mileage–even the way it feels behind the wheel–affect your decision. You should also weigh your options when buying auto insurance. With many brands and features and price ranges out there, it pays to do your homework.

Here are some common questions people ask Progressive when they shop for insurance:

What type of auto insurance can I choose from? There are two types of auto insurance: Liability coverage pays for damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people that you cause. Physical Damage coverage pays for damage to your vehicle. These two coverages are the foundation of your policy.

How much coverage should I buy? The state defines the minimum amount of coverage required, but after that, the amount of coverage you buy is up to you. You choose based on your comfort level, budget and lifestyle.

Some people want as much coverage as possible for all of life’s “what ifs.” Others are satisfied with bare-minimum coverage. If you have a newer vehicle, you may want more coverage to protect your investment. If you can afford higher deductibles (the amount you’ll pay out of pocket in the event of an accident), you can raise them and pay less premium.

How is my rate determined? Rates are based on a combination of pieces of information about you, your driving record and your car. It’s important for you to provide accurate information to your agent or to the insurance company. It helps determine the best options and rates for you.

Can I get a lower rate? Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your rate. For example, Progressive offers discounts for good student drivers, paying your premium electronically and having more than one policy.

Some companies offer rewards for renewing your policies with them. At Progressive, the longer you stay a customer, the more benefits you gain, such as lower deductibles and accident forgiveness. Ask your agent or customer service representative about available discounts and programs.

Where should I shop for insurance? If you prefer to look on your own, begin your search online. If you want to talk to someone about insurance, contact an agent. To find an agent, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

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(NAPS)—Finding ways to reduce
utility bills and conserve the
area’s natural resources is a top
priority for people everywhere.
One solution that can have an
immediate impact on a household’s
bottom line is evaluating
the energy efficiency of appliances
in the kitchen and laundry room.

These appliances—a refrigerator,
dishwasher and clothes washer—
can account for up to 20 percent of
a household’s monthly utility bill.
“American families spend an
estimated $140 billion each year
on energy bills,” said Jill Abelson
of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. “If consumers use
Energy Star qualified products,
they could reduce annual costs by
up to 30 percent while also reducing
water use and air pollution.”

The Energy Star guidelines are
set by the U.S. Department of
Energy and the EPA. Consumers
can identify these appliances by
the government’s Energy Star logo
being placed on the exterior of
products at retail outlets. More
than 30 million people in the U.S.
are eligible for a rebate from their
utility provider just for purchasing
an Energy Star qualified
appliance—these rebates range
from $30 to $200.

Whirlpool, the world’s largest
manufacturer of energy efficient
home appliances, recently launched
a new Energy Star qualified
washer, refrigerator and dishwasher.
These appliances not only
save energy and water, but also
rank as some of the company’s
best performing appliances in its
90 year history.

The new Whirlpool washer
with Calypso wash motion uses
50 percent less water and 66 percent
less energy than conventional
washers. This is a toploading
machine that does not
have an agitator, so it is gentle
enough to wash delicate items
such as wool, silk and cashmere
that might normally have to be
taken to the dry cleaners.

A newly revised Conquest refrigerator
runs on less electricity than
a 75 watt light bulb and a 900
Series dishwasher saves over 700
gallons of water per year.
“Just by trading in an eight
year-old appliance for these new
Energy Star qualified appliances,
you can save over 11,000 gallons
of water per year and close to
$200 on your utility bills,” said
Jeff Cohen, vice president of the
Whirlpool brand. “These appliances
pay for themselves and put
money back in your pockets.”

Whirlpool.com also has a new
feature that allows visitors to
punch in their zip code and find
out what rebates might be available
from the utility providers in
their area just for purchasing
Energy Star qualified appliances.
The site also has an appliance calculator
that can help people figure
out the potential savings over the
lifetime of an appliance.

Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have techs check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to needed persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

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Steps that make building onto your home simpler and safer

(ARA) – It’s the time of year to finish all the projects around the house that you put off all summer to go to the lake. Regardless if it is finishing a new deck, renovating the kitchen or building a new garage, it needs to be finished before winter hits. You will need to take a few easy steps in order to start – and  finish – the job.

Rules and regulations: Check with your city building inspector to find out whether your project needs a permit within city limits. In most cases, if it is something minor, such as renovating the kitchen or building a deck, you might not need a permit. But if you are putting an addition on the house or adding a new garage, a permit is usually required. In general, the law states that you do not need a permit unless you are changing your old foundation or pouring a new one. So before you start building, make sure you contact city officials to ensure that what you are doing is allowed or that you have a permit for the project. Otherwise you could be in big trouble with the law.

Have a plan: When you start to build, make sure you have a plan and blueprints. Have a checklist of what needs to be done before you start your task. It is an easy reminder and helps you keep track of what you need and what is going on. Blueprints are also needed if you are planning on renovating. The blueprints are your step-by-step guide for building your project. Without good blueprints, the work may not be up to code, could be unsafe or will be a huge hassle to build because everything won’t fit together properly.

Proper equipment: When you are working on a project, you need to make sure that you are using the proper equipment. You can’t use a waffle-headed hammer on trim work and you can’t use pin nails on frame work. You even need the proper equipment for transporting your lumber and ladders home from your local hardware store. For example, you will not be able to fit 16-foot boards into the bed of your pickup. But don’t worry – there are tools for that too.

Access, a division of Agri-Cover, Inc., makes the Adarac truck bed rack system for your pickup for those extra long loads. This truck bed rack has trouble-free stake pocket installation, fits inside the rail tonneau cover and can be easily removed. The Adarac sits neatly behind the cab, and is capable of carrying a 500-pound load with ease. Eyelets secure your load so you don’t lose it while going down the road.

Safety: Safety is key when you are doing any kind of handiwork. Make sure you go through all precautions and safety issues before you start. Even when you are just digging in the ground, make sure you know where your gas lines and any buried electrical wires are located. Always be mindful when other people are around you to ensure that you do not harm anyone. Make sure you know how the tool you are using works and what you need to do to be alert when using that particular tool. Make sure you tie yourself off when you are higher than 6 feet off the ground to prevent a fall.

Enjoy: You will get a great sense of accomplishment when you build something with your own hands. After you are finished with your project, and you know everyone is safe and the project is built to code, sit back and enjoy what you have created.

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(NAPSI)-One of the most frustrating experiences people have when they visit the doctor or are hospitalized is being asked to repeat their medical history over and over again every time a new person examines them. It’s a common experience but not life threatening. But what if your name was similar to another patient’s name and your charts got mixed up? What if someone simply couldn’t read your doctor’s notes?

Electronic health records (EHRs) are a promising solution for reducing medical errors and costs and improving patient safety, say health care experts.

For example, a health center called Urban Health Plan (UHP), Inc. provides much-needed health care to the underserved South Bronx neighborhood it has called home for 36 years. The clinic serves more than 37,000 patients who depend on the quality and consistency of care provided at this federally qualified health center.

“The implementation of our EHR system helped transform how we treat patients and track their outcomes,” said Paloma Hernandez, president and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Inc. “EHRs help us work toward improving the health of the communities we serve and will go a long way in aiding the elimination of health care disparities.”

Looking Into the Future

Hernandez explains that the health center has 105 patients with similar surnames. Using state-of-the-art iris recognition technology helps avoid confusion. UHP patients simply look into a lens and the correct health record is pulled up on a screen.

Financial Savings

UHP saved money by:

• Eliminating the search for misplaced paper records that could take up to 75 hours of staff time each month;

• Converting storage space for paper records to a Health and Wellness Center for use by patients and staff;

• Reducing expenses for supplies, staff and storage and related items; and

• Expanding time spent with patients and seeing 35 percent more patients.

UHP’s adoption of electronic health records in its network of clinics earned it the prestigious HIMSS Nicholas E. Davies Award of Excellence, in the community health organization category, for leadership in the implementation of electronic health record systems.

“The HIMSS Davies Award honors health care organizations that are leading the way in and improving patient care with the use of the electronic health record,” said David Collins, HIMSS Director, Healthcare Information Systems.

For more information on the HIMSS Davies Awards of Excellence, go to www.himss.org/davies or call (804) 310-0615.

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GARNER, N.C. –
Garner police have arrested two men in connection to a string of home break-ins.

Irvin Louis Spraggins, 26, of 219 Kentucky Dr., and Ronald Keith Miller, 19, of 323 Kentucky Dr., have been charged with nine counts of felony breaking, entering and larceny.

They’re accused of being involved in nine home break-ins which occurred in the central area of Garner near Kentucky Drive since late July.

Police say the break-ins were committed during the day when residents weren’t home.

The police have recovered more than $1,500 in stolen property including jewelry, cash, and small electronics.

Source:MYNC.com

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