There has been a dramatic increase in the concern for washing hands since the Swine flu has hit the headlines. You now find hand sanitizing equipment in many public locations such as schools, hospitals, day care centers as well as in homes that previously had none what so ever. I imagine that the major question that is on most peoples mind is whether these various hand sanitizer products are worth the cost or a waste of time and money.
Research studies that have been conducted at a Tennessee University which indicate that most of the alcohol based gel and foam sanitizers work well for their intended purpose however there are some which are found on the store shelves or some of the homemade versions which tend to contain too little alcohol in order to be effective.
As a concerned and knowledgeable consumer it is your responsibility to read the label carefully before purchasing any of these products. Make certain that you check the bottles listed active ingredients. Even though you may find one of many different alcohols listed such as ethyl alcohol, isopropanol or ethanol it still actually contains alcohol and that is a plus in this case. The problem lays in the concentration levels. In order to be effective these levels should be in the vicinity of 60 to 95 percent, anything less in totally unacceptable.
We reside in a dollar generated society and everyone is out to make a "buck". Unfortunately these techniques to make money are not always in our best interests. Take a quick test and visit one of your favorite stores. Pick up a bottle of hand sanitizer and look at the label. Chances are you will see listed 40 percent alcohol. To bacteria this is just as good as no alcohol what so ever.
You must read the labels as these cheaper version will look the same, perhaps have the same price tag and even make the same claims but they simply can not live up to their bacteria fighting expectations, to kill bacteria you need plenty of alcohol.
An example of a useless product is a child's hand sanitizer which was created to smell like a popular bubble gum. This item has only 33 percent alcohol content which is much too low to be effective. In addition, you must be careful how the listing is worded. In this case they say they include a half a cup of 99 percent alcohol. At first glance that would seem to be good indications however when properly evaluated it actually equates to only the 33 percent listed above.
When cleaning your hands make certain to rub vigorously all sides with enough cleaner to get them damp and continue rubbing together until they appear dry. If this dry feeling occurs within les then 15 seconds you have not used enough cleaner.
Copyright @ 2009 Joseph Parish
http://www.survival-training.info
Playtex Drop-Ins Disposable BPA Free Nurser Liners 4 oz - 100 Count
Playtex 5761
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$8.49 |
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Review - Playtex Drop-Ins Disposable BPA Free Nurser Liners 4 oz - 100 Count
- Reduces gas and colic for baby
- Acts like the breast so baby can go seamlessly from breast to bottle with no confusion
- Pre-sterilized liners for a clean bottle every time
- Playtex drop-ins are BPA free
Mouthwash Dispenser - Keeping Your Mouthwash Fresh
Imagine visiting a friend in her elegant home. The floors are lustrous, the furniture looks expensive and the whole interior is luxurious. Just when you think that you're as impressed as you can be, you visit the bathroom and voila! A medicine cabinet crammed with disorganized plastic bottles. The whole classy impression of the house quickly fades. The opposite scenario is also true. Even if your house is plain-looking, making the bathroom look as opulent as you can will turn your home into a lush palace. One of the ways you can do this is by getting a deluxe mouthwash dispenser.
Function and beauty
Okay, so buying a small item like a mouthwash dispenser is not the same as re-painting your bathroom. In short, what difference can it possibly make? Do not forget that it's the little details that count. The small features can have as much impact as the big things.
When you shop for a dispenser, it's good to find a combination of beauty and function. There are different designs to choose from-transparent glass, plastic, porcelain and many more. Try to take the interior design of your bathroom into consideration when picking a design. Dispensers also operate in different ways-some have plastic nozzles while some have a pump. So it's important to choose the operation you're most comfortable with.
An impressive feature
With a charming mouthwash dispenser decorating your bathroom, you're bound to impress when family or friends come over for a visit. They will see your sophistication that refuses to have old plastic bottles clutter your bathroom counter or sink. You can also share the style-mouthwash dispensers make classy gifts.
Mobile Massage Business Tips - Take the Stress Out of Outcalls
Imagine this. You're digging through your outcall massage bag for your oil holster and, with a sinking feeling, you realize that you left it at home. Your only options are to set the oil on the floor or on a side table across the room, both of which force you to break the flow of the massage to apply more lubricant. An unexpected stressor is introduced into the session, and your normally peaceful state of mind becomes flustered. Your stress then transfers to the client, who tenses up in response to your subtle irritation.
Here's another stressful scenario. You arrive at the client's home for a massage appointment and make several trips up and down a flight of steps to carry in all of your equipment. By the time you're ready to start the massage, your muscles are aching and your energy is fading. You pour yourself into the session and leave exhausted after lugging all of your equipment back to the car.
Outcall appointments can be stressful and exhausting. Without the convenience of a permanent location, certain factors affecting the massage may be out of your control. But with a little organization and the convenience of accessories designed for the mobile therapist, you can do all that is in your power to make each appointment as successful as possible.
The Convenience of Mobile Massage Equipment
You love being able to bring your massage therapy into clients' homes, and your clients love the convenience, but carting your equipment from place to place can take a toll on your body over time. The right mobile massage equipment, however, can ease the wear and tear on your body and make transporting your supplies easier.
One of the most practical and back-saving accessories for outcalls is a rolling table cart. A portable massage table, no matter how lightweight, is a heavy item to transport, and the longer you carry it, the heavier it feels. Save your energy for the massage by rolling your table with a cart. You still have to do a certain amount of lifting, but the cart will ease the overall strain on your body.
A high quality massage table bag can also reduce the strain on your body. A deluxe carry case includes a thickly padded shoulder strap for superior comfort, durable fabric and stitching, and extra padding on the bottom to protect your table from bumps and minor impacts. One of the biggest benefits of a deluxe case is that you can keep all of your main supplies in one bag, with large pockets for a massage bolster, linens, oils, and other accessories on the outside of the case.
If you're still struggling under the weight of your table, consider purchasing a lightweight aluminum massage table. Aluminum is a lighter material than wood, which makes it perfect for an outcall table. Depending on your size and strength, you may be able to handle a heavier table, but for therapists who prefer the lightest weight possible, aluminum is the way to go.
Organizing Your Mobile Massage Equipment
Even though you can't always control your environment, there are steps you can take to ensure a relaxing experience for both you and your client. One idea is to make a list of supplies you need for outcalls. Check off your list before each visit. You'll be less likely to forget something important. Another idea is to keep all of your outcall supplies together in one place. If you do both office sessions and on-site massage, consider keeping one bottle of massage oil in the office and one in your outcall bag. Store your outcall supplies in your vehicle if possible, except for lubricants, which should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Keep samples of lube in your vehicle, just in case you forget to pack some.
Use the following checklist as a starting point for your own list of items to remember. Add or subtract items as needed.
List of Items for Outcalls:
Massage table Bolster pillows Linens (sheets, face cradle covers, light blanket) Oils, lotions, or creams Product holster Towels Folding massage stool MP3 player and speakers Clip watch Hand sanitizer Bottle of water Intake forms Business cards, brochures, and gift certificates Appointment book Pen and paper Nail clippers and file
If you want to make your outcalls extra special, consider including a few of the items in the list below. Your clients will appreciate these luxury add-ons.
Optional Items:
Massage table warmer pad Oil warmer Essential oils Hot stones Small crock pot for hot towels Scented candles and warmer
As a mobile therapist, you deal with a constantly changing work environment every day. Use these tips to reduce the stress of outcalls and ensure a relaxing home massage session for both you and your client.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Newborn Feeding Set
Dr. Brown's 235
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$19.99 |
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Review - Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Newborn Feeding Set
- Helps colicky babies settle down / sleep
- Reduces colic, spit-up, burping and gas
- Helps prevent fluid in the ear / No vacuum
- Easy to clean, Dishwasher safe
- Recommended Age Range 0 & up
Playtex Playtex VentAire Advanced Standard Bottle Gift Set
Playtex 05921
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$26.99 |
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Sep 24, 2011 16:17:02 |
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Review - Playtex Playtex VentAire Advanced Standard Bottle Gift Set
- A great item to register for, this Playtex VentAire Advanced Bottle Standard Gift Set features five reusable bottle that feature micro-channel vent technology that unlike ordinary bottles, vents air at the back of the bottle versus through the nipple
- Includes: 5 VentAire Advanced Standard bottles 2 6oz. and 3 9oz., extra nipples slow and fast flow, extra bottle caps, extra vent disks
- A clinical study confirms that babies using new Playtex VentAire Advanced bottles had less gas, spit-up, colic and other discomforts than with other leading bottles
- BPA free
Hydration - Water is Not Enough - Understanding and Maintaining Your Body's Balance
Water is not enough to keep your body properly hydrated, especially if you're physically active. Everyone needs to replace fluids and nutrients they use daily to prevent headaches, soreness, fatigue and even routine illnesses. Coaches, nutritionists, doctors and athletes repeat the same bad information again and again to people because they don't know any better or because they were told information by someone they considered an "expert" so it must right. Let's set some records straight and get your body set up to take maximum advantage of rapid hydration, sustained energy and nutritional antioxidant protection so you feel refreshed all day long!
What is hydration?
Hydration is the process of maintaining a good balance of fluids in your body based your physical requirements. If you're an active person you will need a different balance than someone who is less active. Why? Your body consists mainly of water that is intermixed throughout your system. Water carries the fluids and nutrients to the cells of your body, making sure they stay replenished, toned, flexible and healthy. Without proper hydration those same elements cannot properly feed your body what it needs at a cellular level and various parts of your system can shut down very rapidly. This is why people experience headaches, fatigue, muscles cramps, etc. This is your body's way of saying "hydrate me!" Good hydration with next generation products can help you get and stay in balance within 20 minutes.
When do need Hydration?
Dehydration is an issue throughout the year. Many people only think about it when they are physically active or during warmer temperatures but actually winter is equally important - that cold drying effect on your hands and face from being outside in the snow -dehydration. As your body dehydrates, it begins to retain moisture in its most importance areas. This leaves body zones such as your sinuses drier, you are less able to ward off harmful viruses and open yourself to infections. Ever sleep under a fan or an air conditioner and wake with a scratchy throat that became a head cold - dehydration. Keep yourself hydrated all the time for better health and maintaining a more active lifestyle.
Hydration Science
Proper hydration to maintain health for an active person is unfortunately not as simple as just jugging some water. Think of your body as a sponge - no matter how much water you pour on it, the sponge can only absorb so much at a time and the rest runs off; same principle as saturated soil. So if you're drinking one of those large containers of vitamin enriched water - it's really a waste of money and you're going to pee it away. Every day, water leaves your body based on your activity levels. An average person loses 3-6 liters of water per day. An active person can lose 1-2 liters of water per hour when exercising. And with that 1 -2 liters are the nutrients that your body needs to stay in good condition. Is there a way to aid your body in absorbing the nutrition is needs? Yes.
There are actually two distinct generations of hydration science. The first generation comes to us via college football and Florida State University. Based on his observations of players he developed a drink to aid his team retain their energy - the key ingredient - sugar. Called Gatorade to reflect its history it is still the largest product in this area because of time in market and advertizing. As science caught up, they learned that electrolytes such as sodium and potassium help the body to absorb more fluids. Carbohydrates work together with sodium to accelerate the rate at which water is absorbed by the body. It's not just about throwing sugar, salt and potassium in a bottle and declaring victory - it's about the right balance of ingredients to get the result you want.
These first generation products are usually higher in sugar and lower in nutrition. They help but second or next generation products take advantage of the latest in technology and science to deliver more effective and lower cost hydration. Don't be fooled into spending your money for current "vitamin enriched" tap water with extra sugar or worse yet, no carbohydrates - you may feel good visiting the bathroom more often but it's a waste of money.
Next generation products are characterized by a balance of essential electrolytes support cellular re-hydration, energizing carbohydrates for immediate and sustained energy; powerful antioxidants protect your body from fatigue and soreness and no caffeine. Nothing wrong with caffeine, it just not needed for hydration. They are a healthier alternative to high-calorie/high-sugar beverages.
Hydration drinks - quality ingredients count
Quality counts in everything - clothes, food, furniture, etc. Manufacturers will skimp on more costly ingredients to lower costs in this competitive market. Look for:
a serving size of 8oz - big bottles don't mean your getting value or results because you can't absorb it
high levels of antioxidant Vitamins A, C, E and potassium
good sugars - first generation products normally use cheaper processed cane sugar. This lowers cost, raises calories and does not provide as effective absorption as other naturally derived sugars.
Make sure it's customizable to your needs - fitness goals, activity level and duration
Flexible and convenient - I don't know about you but lugging around a lot of bottles seems like a waste of time. Look for a hydration product you can add to your existing water - bottled or tap. This makes it more customizable to your needs and cheaper - why pay more for water you already have.
The Ultimate Bachelor Pad
It shouldn't come as a surprise that appearances and first impressions are of the utmost importance when attracting the ladies. When a man first meets a women she is going to check out everything about him including his car, clothes, hair, shoes, etc. But out of all the things she takes note of, nothing is as important as man's home. Here are some tips for creating your own, ultimate bachelor pad. In creating the ultimate bachelor pad, and projecting an attractive home, there are four basic screening attributes that it must have.
Cleanliness
Comfortable Atmosphere
Uniqueness
Style
Keep your place clean
Your place has to be clean. And this does not mean merely giving your room a quick spruce every once and a while. You've got to keep your whole house clean and livable. From the dishes to the bed sheets, nothing is worse than a dirty place. If your low on cleaning supplies here's a list of the regulars.
Comet
Vacuum
Toilet scrub
Mop
Towels
Bleach
Windex
If for some reason, you can't find the time to ding out the whole place or hire a house cleaner, focus on the three female focal points; living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Seeing that most of your interactions in your house with women are going to start in the living room, make sure that it is neat and tidy. Get rid of those beer stains off the coffee table and vacuum under that couch.
In terms of bathroom, make sure it is spotless with an emphasis on the toilet area, shower and sink. Nothing is worse for a women when she has to wash her hands in a dirty sink or wipe down the toilet seat down before sits down. And lastly, keep your bedroom clean. This means clean sheets, bed made, clean floor and everywhere in between. Foul smelling laundry is all it takes for a complete mood kill.
Create a comfortable environment
If she isn't comfortable in your house, she is not going to want to be there. It's that plain and simple. And fortunately, there are endless ways to keep your man cave warm and inviting yet still maintain the true essence of manliness.
Comfort
Having a comfy, nice couch will definitely add to your array of comfortable living. Because your living room is often the focal point of your place, nothing ties it together as much as a really nice sofa couch. Get rid of that freebie couch you've had since college and invest in something that will make her want to curl up in your lap to a good movie.
Plants
Live Plants are also great for adding comfort, atmosphere and color to your domain. They add life to your place and they demonstrate that you are responsible to take care the things you own. Steer clear of plastic plants,they merely display that you are tacky and not responsible enough to care for real, live ones. Plants can be occasionally time consuming with remembering to water and what not. So if you think you'll have a problem with the keeping them alive, request more "hard to kill' plants at your local nursery.
Lighting
The right lighting is essential in creating the perfect, comfortable Bachelor Pad. Avoid using halogen and stick to warmer, dim lit lamps. Preferably you should have lights where you can adjust the brightness. Chinese, lantern lamps are also great As well as steel standing lamps with multiple fixtures that you can shine in different directions. In terms of other forms of lighting, nothing says comfort in a home than candles. They are cheap. Provide a cozy atmosphere. And many release sweet smells that will make your home more welcoming. When arranging candles remember to disperse them somewhat evenly across the room. Too many candles in one spot can unbalance the ambiance in the room.
Paint
Paint on your walls is extremely important and can make or break your bachelor pad. If you stick to warmer, yet subtle colors, you will increase the comfort-factor of your home by ten fold. Tan is good place to start. But don't feel limited by this suggestion. Painting different walls, different colors can also add much to your place. But make sure before hand, that the colors work well together and still maintain the image you wish to convey. Do however, stay away from bright, solid colors and colors that might send the wrong message i.e. black or hot pink. This is a no brainier. Simply don't do it.
Display your Uniqueness
Because your home is your domain and you want to express who you are, it is important to add that uniqueness that shouts "This is my home and not someone else's!" This can be done in numerous ways. You can put up framed art work on the walls. You can keep your vintage instrument on display. Buy a unique sculpture. If you have a camera, it is great to take a bunch of black and white photos and frame them for display.
Avoid putting up posters that you've kept since college. Women really don't care to see the walls covered in bikini models and liquor shots. In terms of other youthful item such as video games and action figure collections, just keep them out of sight when women are around. It's fine to occasionally nurse your inner nerd. But when women are in your home, make sure they never see them.
Add style to you home
Style is hugely important in making your home an actual bachelor pad. And the beauty is, there are tons of ways to add style to your man cave. One easy way to add style to your home is to have a nice dining table and a coffee table. Glass tables are great and add a sense of openness to your living or dining room. If you want to take it to the extreme, You can top these tables off with glass vases filled with rocks, sand, dried fruits, etc. Just remember to go easy on the rambunctious house play when you the guys over to watch the game. Another simply way to add style is too use ambient mini lights. These can be gems for accentuating certain artwork,photos or wall mounts.
And finally if you really want to add some class to your place, buy a few bottles of good wine, a wine holder and wine glasses. Nothing says class like a good bottle of Pinot Noir or Shiraz.
Don't be afraid to drop a few hundred extra bucks to make your home the ultimate bachelor pad. It will pay off immensely when you have women into your home.
Born Free Sterilizer
Born Free 60001
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$44.99 |
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Sep 22, 2011 15:25:04 |
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Review - Born Free Sterilizer
- The BornFree Microwave Sterilizer fits all types of bottles which can be sterilized including all parts in approximately 4 minutes.
- There are special grips which make opening and removing the sterilizer from the microwave easier.
After What Happened in Haiti, You Need to Purchase a Portable Water Purification System
If you watched the news coverage of the recent Haitian earthquake and its survivors, you've undoubtedly seen pictures of the people fighting each other or waiting in long lines to get a bottle of water. That's because thirst can become a very real problem soon after any disaster strikes. Normal sources of water are disrupted, while others are contaminated with debris and become bacteria-laden. People are faced with the choice between drinking the unsafe water or dying of thirst which is why so many disaster victims get serious illnesses. Without clean water, disease epidemics are a given.
The poor citizens of Haiti weren't expecting this terrible event to befall them any more than you are expecting one to happen to you. However, it's a fact of life that disasters do happen quickly and unexpectedly. At any time you could be jerked out of sound sleep by an earthquake, a tornado, or some other type of natural occurrence. If what happened in Haiti should happen to you, would you be better prepared to meet your family's need for water than the Haitians were? If you've purchased some type of emergency portable water purification system prior to the disaster, you'll stand a much better chance of survival.
By taking the time to read through information online about the number of companies that have shipped portable water purification systems to Haiti, you can see that help was sent as quickly as possible. However, due to airport congestion and damaged roads, it was difficult getting the equipment to where the people so desperately needed it. Although well-meaning people around the world did everything they could to help, it still took time. It was weeks before some of the people got the water they so desperately needed which definitely shows you why the best action you can take is to prepare to take care of yourself and family in the event the unthinkable happens.
You don't have to go out and invest in an expensive portable water purification system unless you want to. There are plenty of other devices available that will make it possible for you to survive more comfortably. Something as simple as a drinking straw with a filter inside it can get you through in a pinch. A step up might be filtered water bottles. All you need to do is fill them with water, no matter how contaminated, and drink. Doing an online search will help you learn about the many different portable purification systems that are available.
Katadyn is the manufacturer of many water purification products. Among the products they sell you will find the Katadyn Vario Dual technology Microfilter Water Filter System - for just less than , this device uses a ceramic prefilter, activated carbon granulates, and anti-clog technology to clean as much as 2 quarts of water per minute. The device weighs only 15 oz. and will purify up to 530 gallons of water without needing a cartridge replacement.
If you're looking for something a little larger, a good choice might be the Big Berkey Water Purification System. Although it is still small and compact, being only 12" tall when not in use, this powerful little machine will remove bacteria, chemicals, pollutants, and sediment from water as well as the bad taste making almost any source of water palatable. Big Berkey even recommends that you use this system all the time in your home to reduce the number of water bottles your family routinely puts into the landfills.
It's smart to be prepared, and nothing could prepare you any better than having a ready source of fresh water no matter what the conditions. It will be money well spent, even if you are fortunate enough to never have the need to use it.
Maintain Tank Temperature With A Fish Tank Chiller
As the name suggests, fish tank chillers are designed to keep the water in your fish tank cool in warmer climates. They are mainly used in marine aquariums where fish tend to be highly sensitive to temperature although fancy goldfish in tropical climes also benefit from the use of a fish tank chiller. An additional benefit is that cooler water has a greater capacity to hold dissolved oxygen thus avoiding issues with low levels of oxygen in your aquarium.
When do you need the fish tank chiller?
A fish tank chiller will be required when you run an aquarium with fish that prefer to live in cold water only. Aquarium chillers will maintain the water temperature you desire. Changing the temperature is something you need to do yourself, manually.
An alternative to a chiller is to run an air conditioning unit in the room that contains the aquarium, however running the air conditioner just to keep the fish tank water at the desired temperature can be a very expensive option. And even though a fish tank chiller may seem like an expensive item it will soon pay for itself if you are not running the air conditioner day - especially if you are not home during the day or you are on vacation.
Another chiller alternative is to add ice to the tank but this is highly impractical unless it is a very short term method to deal with heat wave conditions. If you do need to add ice to your tank it can be added by freezing water in a bottle. The frozen water bottle can be lowered into the tank or hung on the side of the tank.
For very warm climates and for fish that naturally require cold water there is no real alternative other than a chiller unit. It is also possible to purchase an aquarium heater and chiller in one unit which can be used year round to maintain the water temperature in both summer and winter.
When choosing your chiller you will have a choice of thermoelectric, in-line or drop-in fish tank chiller.
Thermoelectric chillers are commonly used in small tanks of less than 60 gallon capacity. They are energy efficient and silent running and can be used in both salt and freshwater aquariums.
Drop-in chillers are commonly used in saltwater aquariums or reef set ups. They require no additional plumbing and are fitted in line with the tank filter. They are simple to install and have low maintenance requirements.
In-line aquarium chillers are manufactured for tanks with a capacity of 60 gallons or more. They have a motor, a compressor and cooling fans and will require a well-ventilated area for installation. They may require professional installation and they are quite large.
An aquarium thermometer is an inexpensive necessity to use in conjunction with your tank chiller. If your chiller fails or mismanages the temperature of your aquarium you need to know immediately. A thermometer is a reliable way of monitory the temperature.
The main disadvantages of fish tank chillers are the cost of the units themselves - which can vary from a few hundred up to several thousand dollars - and the energy that they consume, which can be 80-100 watts per hour.
Playtex Drop-Ins Original BPA Free Nurser Newborn Starter Set
Playtex 65440
| List Price : |
$16.99 |
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Sep 19, 2011 07:28:20 |
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Review - Playtex Drop-Ins Original BPA Free Nurser Newborn Starter Set
- An excellent starter kit with a range of bottle holders and Drop-Ins pre-formed liners in 4 ounce and 8 ounce sizes
- 2-4 ounce original nurser holders, 2 8-ounce original nurser holders, 1 eazy feed holder, 10 drop-ins liners
- Reduces gas and colic
- It is BPA free
The Importance of Having the Correct Size Air Conditioning Unit
It makes perfect sense that an A/C can be too small for a building, but can an air conditioning unit be too large for a building? Well, let's explore this idea. There are many people who approach a contractor, and say, "Just give me the next size bigger unit. I don't mind paying the money." In theory that sounds great, but any reputable contractor will not do that. Your HVAC contractor's job is to put the smallest unit in your home that will do its job and use the least energy to do so. Why? It's not a simple answer, but it does make perfect sense. There are a few reasons.
Fact is, an air conditioner serves another purpose other than to simply cool an area. The unit also draws humidity out of the air the same way a cold bottle of soda, or a glass of iced tea does when it sits on the counter. You'll notice that the bottle or glass appears to 'sweat'. It's not actually sweating though. The water that accumulates is called condensation. That's right. It's the same thing as the dew on the grass in the mornings. Well, the evaporator coil located in your air handler, or with your furnace does the same thing to the air in your home. Because of this condensation, a drain is needed in your air conditioning system. Sometimes this drain gets clogged with debris or mildew and other things that grow in cool water environments. This is actually a common problem for homeowners. Air conditioning companies are called all the time to deal with 'leaky' units.
Any size air conditioner will draw humidity out of the air. While a larger unit can cool a designated area more quickly, it won't pull condensation from the air as quickly as it cools. The first problem one may encounter when having an oversized central air unit is short cycling. Short cycling is when the unit is so large that it cools the designated area too fast for the humidity to be pulled from the air. That leaves moisture in the air. Excess humidity makes the air feel stuffy, and warmer than it actually is. Also, since water is needed to breed micro-organisms, many who have excess humidity have higher occurences of allergic reactions, possibly caused by mold that can grow anywhere in the home, including the air conditioning ductwork.
Another common problem having to do with humidity can be caused by vent placement and air flow direction as easily as by an oversized unit. This problem is 'wet spots'. Remember the glass of iced tea and the condensation it pulls from the air? Well, if you have a wall that has cold air constantly blown on it, the wall will become chilled all the way through. This chilled wall can draw moisture from the air on both the inside and outside surfaces of the wall. Both surfaces will become damp, and may become a breeding ground for micro-organisms. The visible surface of the wall may be easy to clean, but inside the wall is where problems are more likely to exist.
You can't see the mold and mildew on the inside surface of the wall. It can grow for years if unchecked. Members of the household can become sick, and no one will know why. That's why it's a good idea to call an HVAC company to check your unit out before paying thousands of dollars on doctor's bills. Not all contractors are going to ask if people are getting sick often. Feel free to offer this information up to them. If they know it's happening, they should be smart enough to look around for possible signs of mold caused by a possible oversized unit.
BPA Basics and BPA Free Water Bottle Options
Introduction to BPA
So what is BPA anyway? BPA is the common abbreviation for Bisphenol A which is a dysfunctional building block of several important polymers and polymer additives. BPA is also used as a key monomer in production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is used in a large variety of products including water bottles and baby bottles. Epoxy resins are used in the lining of the majority of food and beverage cans including but not limited to beer cans, soup cans, baby food cans, vegetable cans and soda cans. Clearly, BPA is a part of many products used in everyday life.
-Why the controversy surrounding BPA?
So now that we know what BPA is, why do some people say Bisphenol A should be avoided? According to testing on rats it has been shown that BPA can act as an endocrine disruptor which mimics the rats own hormones and can lead to adverse biological effects. Some of these biological effects have included developmental toxicity, carcinogenic effects, and possible neurotoxicity. Although no tests on humans have taken place a recent study by the Yale School of Medicine demonstrated that adverse neurological effects occur in non-human primates regularly exposed to Bisphenol A at levels equal the EPA's maximum safe dose of 50 µg/kg/day. So while no evidence exists that BPA is harmful to humans there is a concern that long term low dose exposure to Bisphenol A may induce chronic toxicity in humans.
-What BPA free water bottle options exist?
One of main industries impacted by the BPA debate is the bottled water industry. The overwhelming majority of large re-usable plastic bottles, including 3 and 5 gallon water bottles are made from polycarbonate plastic which is marked by a #7 recycling symbol. These large polycarbonate bottles are routinely delivered to millions of homes and offices throughout the United States. So what is a person to do if they want water delivery but don't want bottles that contain BPA? Although, polycarbonate bottles are the industry standard there are some less well known options for bottled water drinkers who are looking to avoid Bisphenol A.
Another plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is also used to make 5 gallon bottles suitable for bottled water delivery. This plastic is marked with a #1 recycling symbol and does not contain any BPA. The PET bottles can be re-used after sterilization and also offer the durability needed for repetitive water delivery. Furthermore, these BPA free bottles weigh the same as polycarbonate bottles. The only downside with the 5 gallon PET bottles is that they are more scarce then their polycarbonate counterparts and can be more difficult to find from bottled water delivery companies.
For concerned water drinkers who want to avoid plastic bottles altogether glass bottles represent the best option on the market. Glass is totally BPA free and will not leach into the water. Bottled water purists who are determined to err on the side of caution can now opt for glass water bottles. With the guarantee of absolute purity comes several sacrifices which include a heavier bottle and the possibility of shattering. A 5 gallon glass bottle weighs approximately 9 pounds more than a plastic 5 gallon bottle. With a glass bottle there is also the danger of cracking or shattering the bottle which could cause bodily harm. Glass bottles are also more difficult to find than polycarbonate plastic bottles but there are some water delivery companies that do carry them.
BumbleRide Queen B Bassinet with Canopy
BumbleRide
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Sep 15, 2011 21:35:23 |
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Features - BumbleRide Queen B Bassinet with Canopy
- Stroller bassinet is for exclusive use with Queen B stroller from BumbleRide
- Connects to the chassis of the stroller
- Stroller bassinet can also be used alone
- For a child up to 20 lbs.
- Stroller bassinet from BumbleRide weighs 6 lbs.
Philips Avent Express Microwave Sterilizer
Philips Avent 502
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$24.99 |
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Sep 14, 2011 21:34:30 |
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Features - Philips Avent Express Microwave Sterilizer
- Combines the benefits of steam sterilization with the convenience of the microwave.
- Steam sterilize six bottles, nipples, and caps in as little as two minutes.
- Suitable for any microwave-safe plastic.
- Lightweight and compact--great for travel.
Playtex VentAire ADVANCED BPA Free Wide Bottle Newborn Starter Set
Playtex 5876
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$25.99 |
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Sep 13, 2011 19:05:05 |
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Features - Playtex VentAire ADVANCED BPA Free Wide Bottle Newborn Starter Set
- The Playtex VentAire Advanced Wide bottles feature the micro-channel vent technology that helps prevent mixing air from mixing with milk
- Includes: 5 VentAire Advanced Wide bottles 3 6oz. and 2 9oz., extra nipples slow and fast flow, extra bottle caps, extra vent disks
- A clinical study confirms that babies using new Playtex VentAire Advanced bottles had less gas, spit-up, colic and other discomforts than with other leading bottles
- BPA free
Dr. Brown's Deluxe Electric Bottle Steam Sterilizer System
Dr. Brown's
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Sep 12, 2011 19:04:30 |
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Features - Dr. Brown's Deluxe Electric Bottle Steam Sterilizer System
- Dr. Brown's Deluxe Electric Bottle Steam Sterilizer System safely steam sterilizes 6 BOTTLES in 12 MINUTES! It's easy-to-use One Button operation includes removable basket, accessory tray and tongs. Bottles are positioned so steam is directly inside each bottle. The accessory tray holds small items such as breast pump parts, nipples and pacifiers. Designed to fit all sizes of Dr. Brown's bottles and most major bottle brands.