Winter is right around the corner and that means it’s time to winterize your business’ physical building. Winterizing your building is especially important this year since the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of your winter preparations will have a direct effect on people’s health.

There’s no telling how bad things will get this winter with flu season on top of the coronavirus, so take these 5 steps to ensure your business is safe for you, your team, and your customers.

1. Install glass screens to separate your team from customers

In 2020 and beyond, protective glass screens will be an important part of winterizing your business. You can put screens in a variety of places including:

• Hanging from the ceiling to separate customers from cashiers
• Anchored to service desks
• Bordering cubicles with open walls
• In the middle of conference tables

There are numerous benefits of using glass protective barriers as opposed to plastic. For instance, plastic gets scratches and scuff marks easily and it’s hard to clean. Glass won’t accumulate those little scratches that make a barrier look ugly, which means you won’t need to replace glass screens as often as you would plastic.

2. Storm-and-draft-proof your windows and doors

Some areas of the U.S. are expected to see an exceptionally harsh winter in 2020. No matter where you are, prepare your doors and windows for a cold winter. Even if you don’t get snow, it’s possible that you’ll get colder winds than you’re used to.

Your customers will notice a draft in the winter, so seal up any known drafts and have a professional come out to test all of your seals. Fixing drafts in your windows and doors will not only make your employees and customers feel comfortable, but it will save you a significant amount of money on heating costs this winter.

3. Change your HVAC and other air filters

A dirty air filter has plenty of negative consequences. In the winter, a dirty filter overdue for cleaning or replacement can cause your HVAC unit to run inefficiently. Air won’t flow through a clogged filter, which causes the whole HVAC system to work harder. This will increase your electric bill, but can also cause the system to distribute heat unevenly, resulting in cold rooms.

Worst case scenario, if you don’t change your air filter, your HVAC unit will end up with overworked evaporative coils that can cause a total system failure.

It’s imperative for you to maintain clean air filters in every air purification or filtration system you have in your building. Dirty filters in small air filtration units can end up blowing the dirt, dust, and allergens back into the space, where they can cause health problems for anyone in the building.

4. Review your business’ COVID-19 policies

If you’re one of the businesses allowed to operate in your area, make sure to review your COVID-19 policies. While you are required to follow all state and federally mandated laws, you may find it appropriate to adopt additional rules for your business. For instance, you may not be required to use one-way aisles, but you could choose to implement them if you think one-way aisles will help keep people safe.

Know your company policies before winter hits. Make the necessary changes as far in advance as possible to give your customers fair warning about what you’ll be expecting from them in your store.

5. Attend to problematic trees

Don’t wait for a windstorm, heavy snow, or heavy sheets of ice to take care of problematic trees on your property. Look around for trees that might be dead, dying, or have loose branches that will easily fall in a storm. Have problematic trees cut down and removed entirely. For healthy trees with dead branches, it’s generally safe to just cut the dead branches.

Sometimes it’s hard to identify dead or diseased trees so make sure you call in an expert to determine which trees need to be removed or trimmed.

Get started before winter creeps in

Winter may start earlier than usual, so make sure to get your winterization tasks done as soon as possible. Don’t wait until winter hits. You may not be able to get an appointment with professionals, and if you can, you might end up getting charged far more than you would if you prepared ahead of time.

When you walk into a bakery, what do you smell? You immediately smell the warm bread and see the pastries lining the counter. Bakeries are a part of society that people love, and they are a great place to visit with a friend, pick up a snack before work or buy your favorite loaf of fresh bread on the way home. If you’re planning to open a bakery, you may find it difficult to choose what to focus on. Although you can choose the type of location, interior design and name of your bakery, here are three of the most popular types of bakeries. Choose one that best fits your style or create a combination that allows you to sell the kinds of things you want in the way that you want it.

1. Pastry Shops

Are you the kind of person who craves sweets? Opening a pastry shop may be the best decision of your life. These types of bakeries sell all types of pastries, cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Flavor is an important part of this type of bakery, and you may have a variety of sweets to offer to customers. Some shops focus on style, as well. If you are great with frosting and love creating masterpieces, consider showcasing your sweets in a few confectionery display cabinets. If the treats you sell are especially tasty or fancy, you may become a destination for visiting tourists.

2. Traditional Bakeries

Have you always dreamed of owning a classic bakery? There’s nothing wrong with that. Traditional bakeries sell all types of bread, pastries and other baked items. This gives you a lot of freedom to sell things you enjoy making, specifically bread and biscuits. Try incorporating unique recipes and offer a variety of choices for customers.

3. Cafe Bakeries

Bakeries can easily become popular dining places. Consider turning your bakery into a cafe where people can gather, eat and enjoy their time in a delicious-smelling environment. These kinds of bakeries offer sandwiches, soups and drinks. You can offer specialty sandwiches, tasty delicacies and morning drinks. Don’t forget to display the bread you use on your menu for customers to buy if they just can’t get enough of your recipe.

Whether you choose to specialize in cakes or enjoy baking all sorts of bread, starting a bakery can be a great idea. Many people enjoy the bakery environment and freshly baked bread is always a perk. as you contribute your own recipes and flavors, you can live your dream and help others along their way.

Teachers are such an influential presence for their students. They so often go above and beyond what is expected of them. This is why it’s so important to show them support whenever you get the chance. Here are a few ways you can show teachers that you appreciate them.

Provide Them Lunch

It’s always nice to bring a teacher lunch whenever you get the chance. Many schools have teachers fill out a form at the beginning of the year with their favorite things listed on it. If not, you can just ask the teacher what he or she likes to eat. It’s also nice if the parents can get together and provide lunch for all of the teachers one day. You can do a potluck for them, or you can get box lunch catering Seattle WA. 

Give Them Time

The best gift you can give a teacher is the gift of time. Teachers never seem to have enough of it. Volunteer to cover lunch or recess duty for them so that they can eat together as a grade level or just get some work done. You can also volunteer to make copies for them, which can help save them a lot of time. 

Bring Supplies

Although most students are required to bring school supplies at the beginning of the year, it often just isn’t enough. Teachers frequently run out of glue sticks and pencils as well as many other items. Teachers often spend their own money buying these items later on, so find out what they need and help them stock up throughout the year. 

No gesture is too small when it comes to showing that you care. All that matters is that you’re there to support the teachers in any way you can. After all, they’re educating the next generation, so everyone should help them in any way possible. 

As a manager, it’s important to help employees practice good hygiene and healthy habits on the job; not only does this help prevent them from getting sick, it’s also crucial for keeping customers safe. Here are a few easy ways to keep everyone healthy in the workplace.

Hand Sanitizer

Capable of killing over 99% of viruses and bacteria, hand sanitizer for businesses is a great way to keep employees and consumers healthy. The CDC recommends using a sanitizer that contains between 60% and 95% alcohol, as this range is able to effectively kill most of the dangerous germs people come into contact with. Have bottles of sanitizer readily available on countertops, near computer stations, cash registers, kiosks and anywhere else people frequently use their hands. Remember: hand sanitizer should not be used as a replacement for hand-washing!

Hair Nets and Gloves

If your business involves things like food service or directly touching other people, have your employees take extra precautions by wearing hair nets and using disposable gloves. Hair nets keep stray hairs from coming in contact with consumable items, and gloves protect the products and people your employees work with. It’s also a good idea to use disposable gloves if employees are handling customers’ personal belongings — for example, TSA officers, phone repair technicians and housekeepers should all wear protection during work to help reduce the spread of germs. Keep boxes of gloves on hand for staff members to use and try to provide hypoallergenic options for people with latex allergies.

Facial Masks

For managers looking to take an extra step in the direction of general health, face masks are another excellent way to keep people safe in your workplace. Wearing a mask keeps viruses and bacteria from your mouth from becoming airborne and spreading to other people, so they are especially crucial in settings where people are immunocompromised. Rest homes, public schools, social services buildings and many other professional settings can benefit from using masks; if possible, you may even want to offer disposable masks to customers to help protect employees as well.

Health and safety are very important in the business world, so take the necessary precautions to protect everyone involved in your company. Encourage staff members to stay home and seek medical attention if they aren’t feeling well, and remember to regularly clean and sanitize any frequently-contacted surfaces in your building. For more ways to keep your business safe, you can visit the CDC website for additional information.

If your doctor refers you to a rheumatologist to evaluate your symptoms or test results, you may wonder what to expect. Rheumatic conditions are complex and may require several steps to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Taking a History

Every rheumatologist Memphis starts an exam by asking a series of questions about your symptoms. Many rheumatic diseases are genetic, and discussing your relatives’ health may reveal clues about your condition.

Reviewing Test Results

Whether this is your first appointment or a follow-up, a rheumatologist will want to review all your recent general medical test findings. Blood tests and radiological images can reveal the early stages of a disease that may warrant further investigation.

Examining the Body

Rheumatic diseases affect the musculoskeletal system by causing pain, tenderness, inflammation, redness and other discomforts. They may also cause internal organ complications and problems with the skin and eyes. During your first appointment, a rheumatologist may test for a range of motion and look for rashes, eye redness, and irregular heartbeat and respiration.

Testing Further

The various rheumatic conditions may present common symptoms, and a rheumatologist will order additional testing to determine a patient’s specific ailment. Blood tests that check for particular antibodies or inflammation markers can lead to a diagnosis and treatment.

Prescribing Medicine

Treatment may begin when a patient receives a diagnosis. A rheumatologist usually prescribes drugs that reduce inflammation and pain and slow the specific disease’s progression. Fast-acting steroids may be necessary for short-term relief of symptoms while the body adjusts to disease-specific medications.

Counseling

Most rheumatic conditions are permanent and require modifications to a patient’s daily activities and habits. A rheumatologist will counsel patients about anti-inflammatory diets, exercise, sleep and symptom triggers. Through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, most patients achieve significant symptom relief.

Finding a rheumatologist you like and trust is essential for diagnosing and managing your condition and leading a full and productive life.

Whether you are visiting for a week or a day, there are some Santa Monica sites you have to see. If you are only there for 24 hours or just looking to fill the day, follow this guide to help you get the most out of your visit.

Morning

Santa Monicans love their breakfast food, and it shows. Breakfast is so popular it is easy to find all day breakfast Santa Monica CA. There are a ton of amazing food options to help you get the right start to your day. After you’ve had your breakfast, make your way along the pier to the beach for some early morning relaxation with the sand between your toes before the sun gets too hot for the day.

Afternoon

After you’ve soaked up some sun, grab a quick bite on the pier before you head out to cool down in one of the many art galleries around the city. The city is full of art, so much so that it has become a leading influence on the art world. You cannot stop in Santa Monica without making your way to at least one gallery. Finally, don’t forget to take a selfie with one of the many murals decorating the streets.

Night

If you aren’t too tired from your day, it’s time to take part in Santa Monica’s exciting night scene. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop luxuries, there is something for everyone here. If you aren’t into the bar scene, consider making your way to one of many the live music venues found here. If get yourself hungry, there are plenty of spots still serving well into the early hours of the day.

Whenever you visit Santa Monica, be sure to make the most of your time. Don’t forget to enjoy the sun, some art and maybe even delicious libations.

From the moment you bring a new dog home, you know you have a new family member who will love you no matter what. Once you have decided to either adopt or buy, take the time to make sure you are ready for all that entails. Follow this guide to help you get started.    

Get Your Home Ready  

Before you pick up your new puppy, make sure your house is dog-ready. Start by doing a walk-through to remove easily accessible and dangerous items. This should include checking the plants, looking for exposed cables and making sure that cabinets are not easily opened. Also, be sure to buy items such as dog bowls, toys and a bed for your new pet. 

Have a Care Plan in Place  

After prepping your home, you need to create a care plan. This should include who your vet will be and who is responsible for walks, as well as who will go to puppy training programs Denver CO if your dog is having trouble adapting. By creating a strategy in advance, you know that you are ready to help your dog become part of your home.    

Make Time in Your Schedule 

The most difficult part of pet ownership is ensuring you have time in your life for them. Dogs are a major time commitment, and while working from home is easier for this, you need to be sure that you can keep the schedule once you return to the office. You don’t want to bring a dog home, only to find that you cannot give it the time it needs. Check your schedule before you make your decision. 

Once you’ve decided to bring home a fur-ever friend, be sure you’re ready. Prep your home, make a home plan and always double-check your schedule so that you can keep your dog healthy and happy.  

You don’t have to accept hair loss as a normal part of the aging process. And you don’t have to use invasive surgical procedures to keep your scalp covered in thick hair. There are a variety of natural hair loss treatment options that, when used correctly, are shown to stop future hair loss and regrow hair in places where it’s previously been lost.

Try One of These 5 Natural Hair Loss Treatments

Hair loss and balding are something that millions of men and women deal with on an ongoing basis. It can impact people as early as 20 and typically accelerates during the middle to later years of life. Though some choose to embrace balding, most are looking for some way to stop and reverse hair loss. If you fall into this camp, we’d like to provide you with a collection of natural hair loss treatments that are known to be effective.

1. Try These Natural Ingredients

There are a variety of natural ingredients and plants that are known to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Some of the most effective and commonly used options include aloe vera (reduces dandruff and helps unclog hair follicles that are blocked from excess oil), jojoba oil (moisturizes hair follicles and helps hair cells reproduce at a faster rate), and licorice root (opens pores and adds strength to weakened hair follicles).

2. Stinging Nettle Root

You may be familiar with Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle. It’s a flowering plant that can reach heights of up to seven feet when planted in damp and sunny soil. But did you know that you can use stinging nettle root for hair loss?

Stinging nettle root contains a variety of powerful vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, folate, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, silicon, calcium, iron, and manganese. For hair loss applications, you can sprinkle dry nettles over salads, drink it in a tea form, or even use a nettle rinse for your hair or scalp. Benefits include hair regrowth, hair loss prevention, and reduction in dandruff.

3. Stress Management

In many cases, hair loss is caused and/or exacerbated by high stress. The most common type of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when significant levels of sustained stress push large quantities of hair follicles into a resting phase. After a few weeks or months, these affected hairs may eventually fall out with washing or combing. Other hair loss conditions, like trichotillomania and alopecia areata, can be caused by stress as well.

Reducing your stress levels may not cure your hair loss, but it’ll certainly slow the rate and increase your chances of being able to regrow hair. Find safe and healthy ways to reduce stress on a daily basis. This may include increased exercise, meditation, and/or reducing commitments on your calendar.

4. Massage Therapy

Though it might sound silly or superficial, regular scalp massages can actually help to restore hair growth in areas where you have thinning or balding. It works by increasing blood flow into the scalp, which can eventually improve hair thickness.

The key is to be consistent with your scalp massages. You should spend at least five minutes per day gently massaging your scalp. (Once in the morning and once in the evening is preferable.)

Healthline recommends using the fingertips of both hands to apply a light to medium amount of pressure (moving in tiny circles). Start with one side of the scalp and gradually move across. Pay special attention to the areas where you’re thinning or balding the most.

5. Dermaroller Application

One of the easiest ways to stimulate hair growth from home is to use a dermaroller device. This device is basically a handheld cylindrical roller with hundreds of tiny micro-needles. You roll it across your scalp and the needles make tiny pin pricks that are just deep enough to simulate new production of cells. Over time, this can allow new hair to grow.

Safely Regrow Your Hair

There are plenty of invasive surgical procedures that promise to help people regrow hair. And while some are effective, they all come with unwanted risks, discomfort, and high price tags. If you want to regrow your hair safely and inexpensively, without the discomfort of graphs and incisions, try one of the natural treatments outlined in this article. Not only will it help you look younger, but it’ll also make you feel younger.

If you’ve been unhappy lately with the shape of your body and have been hoping to change your look or give your self-esteem a boost, you may have considered getting a noninvasive body contouring treatment Virginia Beach. Body contouring is a treatment that helps to remove or reduce areas of fat around the body in order to help shape your physique the way you want it. Before you book your first session, however, there are a few key things you should know about.

1. You Should Be Near Your Goal Weight

Unlike some other weight loss procedures, body contouring is generally considered a supplement for candidates already near their goal weight rather than a long-term weight loss solution. The procedure can help get rid of stubborn fat that diet and exercise alone won’t get rid of, but many doctors may require you to already have reached your ideal weight before undergoing treatment. Additionally, you may need a body mass index of less than 30 in order to qualify.

2. It’s a Quick Treatment

You won’t have to block out an entire day to get body contouring. The treatment is generally very quick, with one area requiring only about 30 to 60 minutes to treat. It’s important to note, however, that in some cases, you may require multiple sessions in order to achieve the results you want.

3. There’s Little to No Downtime

If you’re concerned about having to take time off of work to heal after your procedure, you’ll be relieved to know that noninvasive body contouring generally requires little to no downtime afterward. This means you can go back to your daily activities immediately after your treatment, without worrying about losing wages or finding a caretaker during recovery.

If you’ve been struggling with getting rid of stubborn pockets of fat and healthy diet and exercise habits alone haven’t helped, you may want to ask your doctor whether noninvasive body contouring could be right for you. With these key facts in mind, you’ll be well prepared to make an informed decision.

Keeping yourself in good condition starts with a balanced diet. You may have heard the tired truism that you are what you eat, but it’s crucial to point out how leading a healthy lifestyle provides people a sense of wellness and motivation, encouraging them to practice better habits that increase their quality of life. Several studies have emphasized the correlation between good nutrition and reduced rate of chronic diseases. You should consider two eating habits that help benefit your health and metabolism.

Try Eating More Slowly

Eating quickly places stress on the body. Faster eaters are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, an aggregate of risk factors such as high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol. By eating more quickly, you’re overloading your body with too many nutrients all at once. As a result, increased pressure is naturally applied to the arteries and more blood lipids are developed, which restricts blood flow into the heart. Take your time to enjoy what you’re eating and you’ll have a better appreciation of the textures and tastes in your food.

Fruits and Vegetables

Vegetables such as carrots, beats and broccoli are rich in fiber. Women should eat 21 to 25 grams of fiber, whereas eating 30 to 38 grams is more ideal for men. Another reason why eating fiber is often preferable for the health goals Rochester NY you’re set to achieve lies in how quickly it moves in your digestive tract, helping your body function properly. Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Avocados contain Vitamin K, a rare but vital vitamin that helps with blood clotting. Vitamin C is also healthy and provides antioxidants that protect cells from harmful chemical agents known as free radicals.

Improving your nutrition will help make you feel better throughout the day. This natural reaction isn’t coincidental. The body responds more positively when it receives the nutrients it needs. At the same time, you shouldn’t forget to regulate your eating habits to ensure you’re able to regulate how nutrients interact with your body.