Monday, August 17, 2026
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Sun Safety Reminders for Your Family

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Now that it’s summer, there’s no better time to get active outdoors and enjoy spending time with your family.  Getting out in the sunshine is fantastic for your stress levels, tops up your vitamin D, and is good for everybody’s wellbeing. And as long as you are careful to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, everyone can enjoy the summer with no added risk to health.

Skin cancer is a major health problem. It is caused by too much exposure to UV (ultra violet) and although many people believe that this is only a danger on sunny days, UV rays can penetrate throughout the year when it is cloudy and overcast too. 

In the U.S., UV rays tend to be at their strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. You can check out the strength of the UV on your phone weather app and if the UV index is set to rise above 3, you will certainly need to ensure that you and your family are fully protected from damaging rays. 

How to protect your skin from sun damage

Stay in the shade as much as possible. On bright hot days, stay in the shade under umbrellas, trees and other protective shelters.

Wear suitable clothing:  It is tempting to wear shorts and a tee but it is better for the health of your skin to cover up with long pants and long sleeves. If you are on the beach, a sarong or a loose cover up will protect your skin from burning. 

Always wear a hat:  A hat with a wide brim protects your face, neck and ears from sun damage so should always be part of your summer attire. Avoid straw and raffia as the sun’s rays can penetrate through the weave. 

Wear sunglasses:  UV rays can damage your eyes and the tender skin area that surrounds them. Most sunglasses, even cheap ones, block UV rays so there is no excuse for failing to wear them. Wrap around sunglasses is best because they prevent UV light from sneaking in round the sides. 

Always wear Sunscreen:  All sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) and the higher the number, the greater the protection. Never use a sunscreen with less than 15 SPF but in our opinion, the higher numbers work best for everyone as they offer far greater protection. Remember, never use sunscreen on babies. The only way to protect their skin is to keep them in the shade. 

There are numerous sunscreen brands on the market. One we especially like is Mychelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid Tint SPF 50.  It offers fantastic protection against the sun and because it is lightly tinted, it blends in with your skin color so it looks good too. Mychelle Dermacueticals is a Colorado-based company that specialises in natural skin care products designed for health and beauty which are clinically proven. 

Progress Reports in Business

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Business Transparency

Dr. Jordan Sudberg is a pain specialist and medical entrepreneur. Dr. Sudberg is a Harvard-trained pain management physician featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald, and Fox News. He is an expert in pain management, and he is passionate about helping people find relief from their chronic pain. Dr. Sudberg trained at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York and interned at Staten Island University Hospital.

It’s been years now since the world was turned upside down by the pandemic. And in that time, businesses have had to change and adapt to survive. But according to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, it’s insufficient to keep going through the motions. He says that we need to recognize that the world has changed and that our businesses need to change. It’s not enough to have a few meals delivered for the staff anymore. We need to be thinking about how we can make our businesses more resilient and adaptable.

There’s no doubt that entrepreneurs have a lot on their plate these days. They’re constantly hustling and trying to stay ahead of the competition. But according to Dr. Sudberg, they’re also more liable for living right now than they ever have been before. Since people have returned to their basic needs and desires, it’s up to entrepreneurs to adjust. We can’t expect to do things the way we did before. We can’t talk about how life was before, complain, judge or jury someone based on their work ethic. We need to be understanding and supportive of entrepreneurs because they are the ones who are making things happen in the world right now.

According to Dr. Sudberg, it’s essential to consider preparing before a business takes action. On the one hand, expansion can be a great way to increase a company’s visibility and credibility. It can also allow it to broaden its product base and improve financial stability. On the other hand, expansion can be costly and risky. If done incorrectly, it can lead to cash flow problems and even failure.

A few things can come up in the workplace that managers can avoid if the correct information is available to the right people. In his 20 years of experience in HR, Dr. Sudberg has seen this happen time and again. He believes that leaders can handle different things at different levels, and there is a proper time and place for information to be shared.

While Sudberg does believe in transparency, he also believes that some things are best left unsaid. For example, if an employee is experiencing a personal issue, sharing this with their colleagues may not be appropriate. Similarly, if a team is struggling with a project, it may be best to keep this information within the group so as not to cause undue stress.

The moral of Dr. Jordan Sudberg‘s assessment is that there is a time and a place for everything. Showcasing progress at the right time to the right people can make or break the future of a business.

A Budget-Conscious Guide to Buying Quality Father’s Day Gifts

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Father’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you are buying for your dad or looking for a gift for someone else, it can be challenging to find that perfect present. With so many options and the price range so wide, it might seem nearly impossible to find something on any person’s budget. Fear not, though, because there are ways to get great gifts at a fraction of the price.

Look Online for Sites With Promo Codes or Discounts

If you use a website that gives users promo codes or discounts, you’ll be able to save money without even trying. These websites do all of the work, and with minimal effort, you can easily find ways to save money when buying a Father’s Day gift.

Focus on the Experience

Many people get stuck on buying a present, but if you think about it, most fathers just want to spend time with their children on Father’s Day. You can buy tickets to a sporting event to attend with your father, or you can simply take a walk together in your local park. No matter what experience you choose to give, your father will enjoy spending time with you.

Be Thrifty When Eating Out or Getting Coffee With Dad

Head to a restaurant that serves brunch, or instead of getting breakfast or lunch, get an early dinner and enjoy it with your father. Many restaurants give you a discount for ordering a few days before Father’s Day, so if you make this a family activity, everyone can enjoy their favorite meal at a fraction of the price amid the festivities.

Set a Budget for Your Gift

The best way to get great gifts on any budget is to set a target and stay steady. Instead of getting something that costs $20, try to find something for $10 or $15. If you keep your price range in mind initially, you are more likely to find the perfect item for your dad without spending too much. It is better to stick with your budget than to go over it.

Think Local

Try shopping in your local community for unique gifts from local businesses. Many of these smaller shops are run by the locals, and they are always accommodating with gift ideas and will appreciate the company. Since they specialize in the area, they know things that other people might not, or at least have a good idea of what is popular in their area.

Start Shopping Early

Start shopping early to see what everything looks like, and make sure that it is within your budget before you commit to it. If you can leave one day before the actual gift-giving, do so. It will give you more time to read up on possible items and select the best ones for your budget.

Don’t let money stand in giving your dad a great gift on Father’s Day. Keep these tips in mind, and you will be able to provide him with a present that he will love and appreciate, even if it is a little cheaper than usual.

4 Innovative Ways to Be Proactive About Hurricane Prep for a Home

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Now that the hurricane season is under watch, you need to keep your home ready for the major storm. The worst thing you can do is wait for the last-minute preparation. But how can you go about hurricane preparation for your home? Here are four affordable strategies to prevent catastrophic destruction to your home.

1. Install Hurricane Shutters

Having hurricane shutters on your windows will help protect your home from hurricane damage. It’s important to choose hurricane shutters that are of high quality and can be installed correctly by a professional. Hurricane shutters are essential for the following reasons:

  • They block the wind to prevent structural and internal wind damage.
  • They prevent flooding by keeping out the rains, which saves your home from water damage.
  • They protect your home from debris tossed by the winds.
  • They protect your family members from injuries resulting from projectile debris.

Hurricane shutters are an effective way to reduce potential storm-related individual losses. You might not think that hurricane shutters will make a large difference in protecting your house from a hurricane, but hurricane shutters actually protect your house from a great deal of damage that could be caused by windows breaking during a hurricane.

2. Install Surge Protection

Power surge experiences are typical during hurricane storms. When they occur, they are likely to destroy your electronic devices. Power surges can cause immediate destruction of your home circuit. Frequent power surges will degrade your appliances over time making them less effective. Adding a power surge protector to the home electrical panel or using built-in surge protectors will protect your properties. Thus, installing power surge protectors is recommended for your home this hurricane season.

3. Maintain Stormwater System Clean

When the storm hits, Dr. Hal Arnold will tell you, you do not want storm waters to collect around your home. The way to prevent this, keep the water system clean by the following steps:

  • Clearing home gutters of leaves, silt, branches, and debris. This should allow the water to move away during the heavy rains.
  • Make sure that gutters are properly attached and are directing the waters away from home.
  • Make sure that water drains are clean and free of grass and debris.
  • Place pavers to prevent soil erosion around your home.

4. Clearing the Neighborhood

This is one of the basic steps you should consider. You can clear your neighborhood by removing debris that can turn into an airborne projectile. These include toys, lawn furniture, and branches that are at risk of following. For plants close to the house, consider pruning them away. Remove dead trees and shrubs from the landscape. You can do this through a certified arborist. 

Adapting the above practices should keep your home safe from hurricane-related damages and help alleviate potential stress and expenses related to hurricane damage to your house.  This hurricane season, you need to prepare early. The above four steps should make your preparation easy and cheap. Consulting with experts will be cost and time-saving, yet give you the safest way to protect your home. However, no matter how much you prepare, remember to check on your insurance policy and ensure your valuable items are covered from damages.

3 Ways to Use Mailings to Engage with Medical Practice Patients

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Engaging with patients through mailings is one of the best ways to stay in touch and keep them coming back. Medical practice mailings have a lot of potential for health care providers, but it’s important to use them effectively so patients will feel engaged and supported. When patients feel valued and heard, they will be more likely to open up to their healthcare providers and stay at that medical practice. At a medical practice, having patient engagement is vital to the future of a medical practice so it’s important to use mailings as a way to make patients feel cared for.

1. Mail Them a Birthday Postcard on Their Birthday

Mailing each patient a birthday postcard on their special day will help them feel appreciated and valued. It will show the patients that their healthcare providers care about them as a person, and it goes a long way in establishing patient engagement. To take it a step further, you could even partner with a local restaurant and offer patients a coupon for a small treat to enjoy on their special day. If your patients have to be seen on a yearly basis, this could be a great way to remind patients to schedule their yearly appointments.

2. Write Them a Note about Something You Have Learned From Them

It will give you that same warm feeling you get when someone takes the time to write a letter of appreciation. It also allows you to tell them how they are making a difference. It is a great way to let them know you are paying attention and want to thank them for the help. Especially for new patients, this is a great way to show how much you value them as a patient, and this will go a long way in making them feel welcome at your medical practice. If you can’t do a handwritten note to welcome them, consider providing each new patient with a welcome card.

3. Mail Monthly Newsletters That Include Seasonal Tips and Information about New Ways to Stay Healthy

To make a resource guide, compile a list of essential resources for many of your patients, such as free health insurance information or updated prescription discount cards. While some may find specific resources through browsing the Internet, others may not have time for this or know where to start. Include these valuable sources in your mailing so they can stay on top of the latest healthcare news. In the monthly newsletter, you could have different workers from the medical practice provide industry tips and tricks or provide medical information relevant to the practice.

You may feel that mailings are a bit old-fashioned, but don’t forget that the people who take the time to read your letters are still reading them. Using mailings as a great way to reach out to patients is still an effective way to stay in touch with patients and impact their care. It allows you to have a quiet effect on their health without being pushy or overbearing.

Motivating Your Best Employees

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Motivating Your Best Employees

Dr. Jordan Sudberg is a frequent public speaker on healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship topics who actively shares his insights and experience with fellow entrepreneurs, students, investors, and media members.

Despite his success in the industry, Sudberg holds himself to high standards for ethical behavior in business practices.

According to Dr. Sudberg, managers should Motivate their Best Employees in the following ways:

1. Help them to be their best every day.

2. Never look down on an employee for mistakes or bad at something.

3. Reward them for their work and promote them regularly, even if they have not been upgraded yet; The lucky managers should encourage personal growth in employees and self-improvement to increase overall sales and other performance metrics.

4. At the end of the day, managers should try to make their employees happy to get better results. The best mechanism to use to manage employees is by building a good relationship with them. The best employees are those who feel cherished and valued. The key is to do this without spending too much time or money. A great manager will find ways of making everyone feel special, even if it only means saying “good job” once in a while or taking an employee out for lunch every few months. The most productive managers are the ones who treat everyone like family. The best way to do this is by always being available for their employees’ questions and concerns, regardless of how busy they may be.

5. Empower their employees to make decisions.

The best managers empower their employees to make decisions so that people know that they have a voice and feel as though they have a say in the workplace. If managers want them to take on more responsibility for the organization at large, they need to let them take on more responsibility in their business. One way to do this is by allowing their employees to frequently voice their opinions about their business operations and decisions. This doesn’t mean that they should always take their advice, but it does mean that it’s the right thing to do.

6. Give them responsibility and open doors for them to grow.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that many high-functioning managers in the business world treat their employees coldly and distantly—they run into them at the office, have no idea who they are, don’t know their names, and frequently don’t even get a chance to introduce themselves. The best managers realize that their employees have lives outside of the office and will make themselves available to them. The best managers are the ones who allow their employees to grow and advance within the organization as well as outside of it.

7. Always be fair.

True to the best managers’ nature, the best managers always treat their employees the same way any other person in their position. The best managers always make sure to be fair with others, even if somebody messes up.

Dinner in a Flash: Quick and Easy Meals

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Preparing your meals at home can save you money and improve your health, but it can be difficult to cook on a regular basis, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, cooking a delicious and nourishing meal doesn’t have to be complex and time-consuming. There are literally hundreds of meal options out there that you can prepare from start to finish in well under half an hour, all with delicious results.

How To Enjoy Fast and Easy Meals

There are many ways you can set yourself up for success in the kitchen. Quick cooking usually comes down to the right planning and preparation, and these tips can help you make the most of every minute.

Create a Recipe Repertoire

Many people have a relatively short list of meals that they feel comfortable preparing. Some of the most popular dinners aren’t exactly quick options and can take an hour or more to prep, cook, and serve. However, with a little research, you can create a list of easy go-to recipes that are a cinch to prepare. Check out websites like The Kitchen Community for meal and recipe ideas, then create an organized list of what appeals to you the most. Then, you’ll have access to a quick reference guide when you need a quick and easy meal in a pinch.

Choose Quick-Cooking Ingredients

Not all ingredients are a good choice if you want to get dinner on the table fast. However, there are a few superstars when it comes to quick meals, so it can be a good idea to have them on hand. When it comes to protein, shrimp is hard to beat, and smaller versions can cook in under five minutes. Eggs are another fast and filling option, along with ground meats like beef and turkey.

Pasta is another great addition to a meal, adding plenty of filling protein to a dish. Couscous is one of the quickest-cooking types of pasta you’ll find and can be used to complement a variety of flavor profiles. If rice is your starch of choice, look for options that are already parboiled so they’ll be ready in minutes.

Meal Prep for the Week

When you go grocery shopping, do it on a day when you have an hour or two to spare to prep for the week. Chopping up fruits and vegetables, marinating meats, and cooking a big batch of brown rice or quinoa can save you a lot of time and effort when it’s time to put a meal together.

What To Avoid When Planning a Quick Meal

Certain meats take a long time to cook through, especially bone-in cuts or large roasts. Stick to boneless skinless chicken or beef steaks instead. Root vegetables are delicious and nutritious but they can take a very long time to cook. Choose options that you can enjoy steamed or raw instead. Finally, don’t choose recipes that need to simmer for a long time to develop their flavors, like homemade spaghetti sauces, stews, or braised meats. Save these recipes for when you have extra time on the weekend.

Cooking a tasty meal in a flash is easy with the right planning and preparation. Choose the right ingredients and have a plan in place so you can feed yourself and your family in no time.

3 Vital Reasons To Use A Real Estate Agent When Selling A Home

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When selling a home, it might seem like fun or more financially beneficial to you if you try to sell your own house, but trying to sell your own home is a huge and costly mistake. Real estate agents know the local market including what buyers are looking for and tips for helping your house sell faster, and real estate agents can get better offers on your home than what you could do yourself.

1. Experience Makes All the Difference

There are so many aspects of the home selling process. An experienced real estate agent will help guide you every step of the way. A successful seller’s agent has been through countless transactions, and the goal is to protect your best interests. They know from experience that no two transactions are the same, and each one requires a specific skill set that only a trained agent possesses.

It’s imperative that you choose the right real estate agent to represent you in the sale of your home. Real estate agents have the expertise and industry knowledge to help keep the deal on track and successfully bring it to fruition on closing day. When you hire a real estate agent with a proven track record, you’re putting your most important asset in the capable hands of a top agent in the neighborhood.

2. Selling Your Home is a Full-Time Job — and Then Some

It takes hard work and dedication to find the right buyer for a home. The reality is that successful real estate agents rarely go off duty. It’s important that the agent is available to their clients as well as to the buyers they’re working with to buy your home. Agents have to possess the ability to prioritize tasks, follow up, manage their time, and keep their eye on the ball at all times!

When a potential home buyer has an interest in your property, they want answers quickly, or they “go on to the next” listing. It doesn’t make sense to miss out on any leads if you’re trying to sell your house by yourself. At the same time, you want to ensure that a buyer is financially qualified. Real estate agents are trained to gather information as to if they are pre-qualified for a mortgage, meet down payment requirements, etc. before a home showing appointment is scheduled. Real estate agents save you time, and lost time equates to money.

Sometimes, a homeowner wants to try to sell their home on their own before they decide to hire an agent. Many people have no idea how time-consuming and complex it is to go it alone. Moreover, they come to realize that their home will sell faster, and usually at a higher selling price, if you let the professionals do what they’re trained to do. Another factor to consider is that a professionally marketed property attracts more qualified buyers.

3. Expertise in Real Estate Marketing

Real estate agents will prepare a customized marketing strategy for your home. They’ll create a powerful strategy and ads that showcase your beautiful house in amazing ways. Agents have access to all of the professional real estate platforms and the top-performing networking options. The goal is to market your home in ways that compel serious home buyers and investors. Your agent wants to exceed your expectations and will work earnestly to earn your business for years to come. 

7 Remediation Steps to Take If a House Has Hurricane Damage

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Hurricanes are not as sudden as tornadoes and earthquakes, but they are unpredictable and cause severe damage to property, infrastructure, and human life. Businesses in vulnerable regions, including commercial real estate (CRE), face challenging financial concerns when hurricanes strike. Hurricanes affect both commercial and residential areas in equal measure. This article will provide seven remediation steps for residents if a hurricane damages their houses.

1. Safety First

Once the hurricane has passed, the first instinct is to assess the extent of damage to the property, but this should not be the case. It is essential to prioritize your safety and that of your community because hurricanes leave behind damaged roofs, broken glass, and other hazards. Take the necessary precautions before you assess your property.

Ensure there is no threat of electrocution because some power lines may be active but covered in mud. It is essential to stay away from your house until the power is cut. Evacuate your family as soon as possible if you realize your home’s roof is unstable until professionals inspect it. Notify the gas company as soon as you recognize the smell of natural gas on your property.

2. Secure the Property

Avoid further damage to the property by removing valuable items that risk sustaining further damage. Find ways to remove excess water in the house since it could lead to mold growth and more damage to the property. At this point, you reach out to professional emergency restoration service providers within your area.

3. Document the Damage

Once the first two steps are done, you are at liberty to assess the damage caused by the hurricane. This is an emotional process but mandatory since you must file an insurance claim. The strategy calls for the utmost sobriety because the insurer will need photographs of the damaged property and manufacturer identifiers. Check all property within the house, room by room, and others, such as the outdoor HVAC unit.

4. Engage the Insurance

If your specific policy allows you to claim the hurricane damage on your provider, you will need to call them. To avoid making the claim process longer, ensure that you have attached all documents in the claim form. Attach other receipts of costs that you may have incurred in the process of restoration.

5. Find Reputable Emergency Restoration Services

Hire a professional restoration company to handle the damages and get your property back to habitable standards. The company you engage in should have comprehensive experience in handling the types of damage to your property.

6. Avoid Contaminations

You need to assess anything that could have a chance of contamination and discard it. Your floor carpets should be removed and disposed of because of the possible contaminations. According to the CDC, you should engage a restoration contractor who is a member of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or ASCR. Such a contractor will remove all contaminated possessions.

7. Dry the Place

Your contractor will use the most convenient methods to remove water from the house, but you will need to employ longer-serving methods. Install a dehumidifier to get rid of excess humidity in the house to avoid your property developing mold and causing health infections.

Emergency restoration services from admirable organizations such as Regency Disaster Response Team (DRT) will sufficiently restore your property. Call us today for an emergency plan in preparation for any sudden calamity or restoration services.

How to Ensure a Generator is Ready for Hurricane Season

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As we approach the end of hurricane season, it’s good to ensure that your generator is ready. Most generators have a few simple starting steps. But it’s important to double-check your generator before the start of hurricane season. To make sure your generator is ready for the start of hurricane season, follow these five easy steps.

1. Maintain the Gas Tank, Fuel Lines, and Engine Compartment

Ensure the gas tank and fuel lines are clean and that there is oil in the engine compartment. Also, check all the connections to make sure they are secure. If you have an electric generator, make sure there is no oil in the machine and check for loose connections.

2. Check the Spark Plug Gap

Have a magnet handy to check the gap between the spark plug and the cylinder head. A gap of at least 0.025 inches is ideal, but smaller gaps are better. Older spark plugs may also need to be replaced, depending on how old your generator is and how often you use it. The spark plug gap should be checked as soon as possible after each start-up to ensure it is within acceptable tolerances for good starting performance and the long life of the engine.

3. Lubricate the Engine and Move the Fuel to a Storage Tank

If you plan on storing a generator, make sure it is free of gas and oil. There may be gas traces in the engine that could lead to corrosion. Make sure the fuel is stored in a clean, dry location away from heat, direct sunlight, and sources of contaminants. If any other type of fuel is stored with the generator, make sure it is stored in a separate container.

4. Load Bank Testing for Dependability

Load bank testing is when a generator is connected to the home’s electrical load. This lets you see whether the generator will have sufficient capacity to run your home during a storm. Always test your generator before turning on your home’s lights and other appliances for safety reasons. This will allow you to know whether the generator can meet your needs.

5. Keep Your Generator in a Sheltered Location

If you want your generator to last, make sure it is placed in a dry and shaded area. Never place generators near the home’s foundation or in contact with concrete slabs. It’s also important not to store your generator on a concrete surface. This is because generators are heavy, and concrete provides little support. A generator can be stored on a concrete surface if it is covered with a tarp or padding to provide support.

6. Consider Generator Placement

Make sure the location you choose for your generator is accessible to an electrical outlet. You should also check to see if there is an electrical outlet near where you want to store the generator.

Hurricane season can be a stressful time for you and your family. Luckily, you have no shortage of companies that are more than willing to help you secure your power in case of a power outage.