Sharron Pattison Posts

Published May 12, 2018 by

When Buying a Filter for an Aquarium

There’s something about aquariums that make their owners feel relaxed. Perhaps it’s the peaceful pacing of the fish inside or the serenity of the isolated underwater ecosystem. Regardless of the motivation of owning an aquarium, it’s absolutely important to not get carried away and just get one without doing any research.

One of the most important things to research on regarding setting up an aquarium is the filter that is going to be used. Generally, modern filters are complete; Mechanical, chemical and biological. So this is one filter buying consideration that isn’t that troublesome nowadays. However, there are general considerations that should definitely be taken note of when choosing the right filter, as they come in different shapes and sizes.

Understanding Aquarium Size

While the mainstream aquarium size is just a couple of feet long, there are owners who have far smaller or bigger aquariums; this all boils down to personal preference, of course. But personal preference isn’t carried over when choosing an appropriate filter for it.

Choosing aquarium filters that works the best way according to aquarium size is a good way to minimize aquarium maintenance and improve the longevity of aquatic life in it. Canister filters are fine for regular aquarium sizes. But bigger ones will need the power of, well, power filters. Or even wet/dry filter.

Type of Aquatic Environment

Sea creatures that are used to saltwater will find it hard to live in freshwater. Conversely, freshwater creatures will probably die in a couple of hours; If not sooner – if placed in a briny aquarium.

In the context of water filter, knowing whether the aquarium is salty or fresh water is important to avoid using filters that will make a huge mess. For example, aquariums that contain saltwater should not have filters that keep breaking and agitating the water’s surface. This leads to salt deposits on the sides of the aquarium. In addition to this, the constant agitation of the water surface leads to scarcity of carbon dioxide, which is something that saltwater aquariums will need.

Presence of Plants

Most aquarium owners agree that the addition of plants in an aquarium doubles its charm. It’s easy to see why. Fish look better when they’re in an environment that’s similar to their natural habitat.

Having plants in the aquarium makes some types of filter unideal to downright unusable. Substrate filters, for example, is a bad idea for aquariums with lots of plants anchored on the bottom. Roots will creep into the filter and mess it up. Also, filters that agitate the water surface such as the power filter will deprive plants of oxygen.

Choose a Filter Later

The key to choosing the ideal filter for an aquarium is to get to know what type of aquarium will be set up. From this, it will be easier to choose because some filters will be removed from the list of options.

It’s also worth noting that, before buying any filters from online or local stores, aquarium owners should check out helpful reviews that can be easily found all over the Internet.

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Published May 6, 2018 by

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Computer Desk

With so many types of computer desks available on the market, you would think that choosing one is an easy task; well, it is exactly because the wide selection available that a lot of people get confused and end up making a poor purchase. When you shop for computer desks, keep in mind two details: computer desks and tables don’t have to be boring and you need to opt for an ergonomic design. The ergonomic design is an absolute must because your body is not built to stay in the same position for long hours; it is built to perform all sorts of types of movement and when you have to sit for long hours, with your arms reaching out to a keyboard, nerve and muscle pain can easily appear. If you want to invest your money in a computer desk that can help your body easier adjust to the daily work style, then make sure that you don’t commit any mistakes during the purchase. Here are some of the most common mistakes when it comes to choosing a computer desk:

  • The desk is too small
  • Since the desk is so small, it becomes too cluttered; as a result of this, you are forced to reach far to get things that you use quite regularly
  • The desk is designed in such a way that the computer is not placed directly in your front. This is why you are forced to twist your head and your body too often. This can be dangerous if repeated for a long period of time.
  • The width of the desk. Some people choose a too large desk, so they sit too far from the screen, others sit too near to the screen. Either way, this is something that will have negative effects on you.
  • No space to accommodate the CPU; this will force you to keep the CPU somewhere underneath the desk, so the space will be too cluttered, affecting the movement.
  • A shiny desk. A shiny desk will glare, thus affecting and stressing your eyes.

These are some of the most common mistakes that people commit when it comes to buying a computer desk. If you avoid all these, then you can be sure that you are going to make a wise investment. I know that it seems like there are too many details to take into consideration but if you do, then you can be sure that you will spend your money on a computer desk that will help create a comfortable and relaxing work environment. You spend most of the day working, five days a week, so it is a must to create a work environment that makes you feel good, comfortable and relaxed. If this implies spending a bit more than you planned, then make the effort. It is worth it. A good computer desk will help you avoid back pain and nerve pain, so it is easy to understand why making a wise investment is so important. Check out the offer and spend your money wisely.

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Published March 20, 2018 by

A Few Things To Know About Towel Warmers:

Towel warmers are not only a thing of luxury to be added to your bathroom, they are in fact a lot more than that. Of course, the main purpose of using the towel warmers is to get a dry towel and dry robes you need after a shower. But the towels warmers, in fact, have many more roles to play along with the principal role it is made to play.

A towel warmer can play a big role in keeping your family healthy and fit. If you have kids in your home, then they must need some dry baby clothes every now and then. But it may not be always easy for you to deliver them the good dry clothes. Especially in the winter, it becomes very difficult to ensure the supply of warm clothes for your babies. And the irony of the fact is that this is the time when the need for the warm cloth is at its all-time high. So the towel warmers play a big role in delivering that on your behalf solving a bigger problem for you. In addition to that bathroom and other damp places do not help the towels and bathrobes and your kid’s dresses dry off easily. It is a fact that bacteria grow fast in a damp environment and when your kids use those damp clothes they are supposed to be infected by the same. But using the towel warmer you are not only keeping the clothes dry and warm but also killing the bacteria before it reaches your kid and prevents them from breeding further.

Buying a good towel warmer may sound difficult considering the important role it is expected to play, but having a little information on the particular product and its overall function you can easily select one for your home. Also, you can prep up yourself by going through various good product reviews available online before you set out to swipe your card for making the payment. As information holds the key to success of every venture stepping in to, then buying a towel warmer is no different at all and to gain more knowledge on the subject you can read more here.

Towel warmers are not only limited to be used inside the bathroom, they can also be used in other damp areas of the building such as in the basement and bedrooms as well. These are designed to work mostly indoors and outdoor use of the same must be avoided. Also, the children in the house must be refrained from playing with or playing on the towel warmer. The electric shock hazards may cause trouble for the kids if things go wrong. Also, this s a device that heats itself up to dry up the clothes and keep them warm for hours, the possibility of burn injuries to kids cannot be ruled out either. If selected properly and used to its full efficiency, the towel warmer can play a big aide in keeping up the health of your family.

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Published March 10, 2018 by

The Tiny Little Thing Called Platelets

Our body is made up of multiple systems that are composed of multiple organs that function to maintain a balanced body. One of which is the cardiovascular system wherein veins, arteries, and capillaries are included. They are the ones that are responsible for distributing blood throughout our body. The blood, on the other hand, is the one that carries all the nutrients for distribution.

But, did you know that the blood itself is a complex system? It is not just merely a fluid that appears red when we see it. If you can remember your science lectures before, it is composed of different blood cells namely red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. A lot of us, until now, still have a clear understanding of RBC and WBC since we always hear them around. However, platelets are less likely to be discussed.

Platelets only became too popular or part of the conversations between people and the news when cases related to it like dengue have emerged. Unlike WBCs and RBCs, platelets are actually incomplete cells or for that matter, not a cell. They are actually fragments of one large mother cell. To put it simply, it is like a breakdown product of a large cell. Platelets are actually part of the complete blood count (CBC) test that is done in patients.

What do platelets do?

Platelets actually play an important role at times when we are injured or wounded. They are the first one to arrive at the site to ensure that the walls that have been damaged will be closed so as to prevent more bleeding. Hence, they are important in preventing blood loss.

When you look at a CBC report, you will notice that the normal value of platelets come in a range. What does this mean? Such denotes that the amount of platelet in the blood should just be enough, not too low and not too high. That is because each situation can have negative effects.

What happens when you have low platelet counts?

As mentioned earlier, platelets are responsible for making sure that opening on the blood vessel walls can be sealed. With that in mind, a low level of platelet can make a person prone to too much bleeding. A low platelet count will also make a person prone to hematoma or easy bruising, blood in the urine, constant nose and gum bleeds, and the likes. For females, they may also experience excessive bleeding during their monthly period.

What happens if you have high platelet counts?

On the contrary, a person with a high platelet count will experience frequent headaches, dizziness, and chest pain. At times, he or she will also experience numbness, unconsciousness, and weakness. The dangerous thing about high platelet count is that it can lead to heart diseases because of clot production. Most of the time, a high level of platelet also indicates that a person has infection or inflammation.

Final Thoughts

Definitely, platelets play an important role in our lives. As similar to any other things in life, an excess or deficiency of which is not good. Hence, you must ensure that your platelet count is always at the normal range.

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Published November 24, 2017 by

Learning Basic Car Servicing and Maintenance

Buying and owning a car is more than just spending hard-earned money on a large chunk of machine, a hard-working machine, at that. But having a car takes a lot of responsibility, which includes understanding legal obligations and adherence to the local laws regarding vehicle registration and operations. But even more so, is the obligation to learn about the ins and outs of the car itself. Sure, there are capable auto technicians and repair shops that can provide services in the event that the car encounters problems. But as a car owner, having absolutely no idea about the basics of a car is somewhat irresponsible. Like maintaining the integrity of a laptop, cars also require some level of technical know-how from owners in order to do basic repairs and maintenance. In fact, the more a car owner is knowledgeable in servicing their vehicle’s maintenance, the fewer times they’d have to take their car to the shop for repairs. And less likely, that repair is anything more than minor issues.

The problem is that car owners might not be able to afford the time to take a crash course on vehicle maintenance. And the fact that they aren’t likely to make a career out of that knowledge makes it not that rewarding, time-wise. The good news is that there are other ways to learn more about cars aside from apprenticeship and formal education. Perhaps the first option that would come to mind is buying a book. That’s perfectly fine. But books aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. As sad as it may be to admit, people these days don’t have the attention span to last them more than a chapter or a few minutes of reading. And this is widely blamed on technology, the Internet, to be more specific.

Ironically, the Internet itself is the best way to learn skills that are usually imparted from formal, generally boring lectures. It’s a double-edged sword, so to speak. But taking advantage of the Internet’s practically limitless information is an efficient way to learn about basic car servicing and maintenance. There are a lot of immensely helpful websites such as the one created by Alex Meyer from Gear4wheels. What’s really great about learning things the way of the Internet is that, even though it’s not as well-structured as formal training, is that tidbits and snippets of information can be digested at one’s pace.

Things like choosing the right car battery, properly timing oil changes and even the right brands of brake fluid can also be learned from these helpful sites. In addition, video demonstrations can take the place of actual class demonstrations. In terms of practicality, learning the basics of automotive servicing is better done on the World Wide Web. Perhaps what car owners can’t really replace with Internet-facilitated learning about cars is the actual driving itself. Check out the aforementioned website, if interested to know more about cars and how to keep it in good condition. Product reviews also found in the site are extremely helpful.

 

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Published November 19, 2017 by

Things People Should Know About the EAS Protein Powder

Protein supplements in the form of drinks, powder, capsule, and more are already becoming popular nowadays. That is due to the fact that many individuals are conscious about their physique. They want to have strong, lean, and big muscles. Although workout and diet plans are effective ways of achieving such goal, incorporating protein supplements will make the process faster. One of the most popular types of protein supplements is the whey protein powder.

 

Whey protein is a compound that comes in two forms namely concentrate and isolate whey protein. At times, they are sold separately. However, a product called EAS Protein Powder contains a combination of both types. With that in regard, the benefits given by the two are achieved and the drawbacks have been resolved. The product is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories and has a facility that processes fish and egg ingredients. According to them, the blend that they made led to a 100% whey protein concentrate. Hence, it is rich with immunoglobulins or immunity support compounds, as well as muscle-specific branch chain amino acids (BCAAs).

 

With that in regard, one serving of the product can provide the user’s body with 23 grams of protein that can easily be absorbed by the muscles and the body as a whole. Apart from BCAAs and immunoglobulins, the product also supplies the body with the right amount of leucine, which is responsible for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, it also has glutamine that can promote muscle growth and energize immune cells.

 

The good thing about the product is that users can easily consume it since flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate, have been incorporated. What is better is that even though it has a rich taste, the product does not any extra sugars or carbohydrates. In addition, it can also easily be mixed since the whey protein component has been filtered using ultrafiltration techniques. Meaning, the product has a very fine consistency and great solubility level. However, people who are allergic to milk and soy should refrain from taking this product.

 

Consumption-wise, one serving or two scoops of this product should be taken within 30 minutes after a workout regimen. Such is recommended so that the muscles that have been strained and stretched can be repaired and rebuilt immediately. Nevertheless, it can be taken up to a maximum of three servings in a day or depending on the protein need of the user. The good thing about this product is that it can be mixed with cold water, milk, or any type of beverages. Users only need to dissolve two scoops of the product in eight ounces of their chosen liquid. After which, they should place it in a blender or shaker for 20 or 30 seconds.

 

According to a detailed review of EAS protein powder, this product can be used as a substitute for a snack or meal. That is because the user will already feel full and energized once it is consumed. However, it is still not recommended that this product will be used for people who want to lose weight. Meaning, it should not “completely” substitute the user’s daily meals.

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Published November 18, 2017 by

The Classic Beauty of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

There are many types of available motorcycles on the market today, but nothing compares to the make, style, and sound a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle brings. Harley motorcycles are one of the most well-known American heritages that began as early as 1903. The first unit ever made was a pedaled bicycle powered by a small engine. Since then, the make and look of the product have grown drastically and has managed to become one of the most recognized motorcycle brands around the world. In fact, whereas the first units of Harley-Davidsons ever sold cost less than $500, but presently, the most expensive unit sells for $1 million! That’s how much the motorcycle brand has grown in popularity and value. However, what is it about Harley motorcycles that make it so special?

 

Many people say that it’s the aura that a Harley-Davidson has whether it’s parked on the side of the road or when it drives by you, which enthusiasts refer to as “Harley Mania”. Others believe that it’s the roar of its large V-twin engine that runs through strait pipes, giving the Harley its distinct chopper-like sound. Nevertheless, whatever the reason maybe, Harley motorcycles have an unmistakable mystique making it one of the most highly regarded motorcycles in the world. Now the question is, is it deserving of this worldwide respect?

 

It actually depends on the person who owns the motorcycle. For motorcycle enthusiasts who have money to burn, buying a Harley-Davidson that costs anywhere between half a million and a million bucks is worth it. They consider it a worthwhile investment because they know they can sell it for more over time.

 

One thing certain about Harley motorcycles is that it’s all about image. Enthusiasts have been so preoccupied with the image and sound of the Harley that they have forgotten one key element that any motorcycle must have – performance. Most motorcycles are judged by how they perform by testing their acceleration, top speed, and horsepower. That is not the case with the Harley-Davidson, though.

 

If the Harley were to be tested with these criteria, it would be the lowest ranking among all brands. It has the slowest acceleration speed, it has the slowest top speed, and it has the lowest horsepower output compared to all motorcycle brands. If it were to win a race against something, it would probably be an electronic wheelchair. The only thing going for this brand is its image and the sound it produces.

 

Still, if you were to own a Harley-Davidson, using a good battery on it would probably do wonders for how it runs. Sometimes, a powerful battery is all that’s needed to turn a lackluster motorcycle performance around. You’ve already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Harley, so what’s a few more dollars for a good battery, right? However, to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth when purchasing a battery; make sure to read motorcycle battery reviews first. These will help you compare prices and features easily so you can choose the best brand.

 

Regardless if it’s underperforming, a Harley is still a Harley. Enthusiasts will say it’s more than worth its weight in gold, and some may not agree with that. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, it’s still one of the world’s most famous motorcycle brands and having one in your name is an accomplishment in itself.

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Published November 15, 2017 by

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Buying Guide

 

For other people, installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom may seem odd, weird, or funny. That is because some people have a wrong perception that exhaust fans should just be installed in kitchens. In order to correct such, they should know about the importance of installing an exhaust fan in a bathroom.

It is a known fact that the bathroom is full of items that introduce moist air inside the area. Such include showers, sinks, faucets, tubs, and other types of fixtures. And according to experts, moist air is dangerous to people and structures. It is able to allow the growth of mold and mildew that can cause certain diseases in individuals. They also have the ability to rot the bathroom’s structures, peel off the painting, and the likes.

As people learn more about such importance, more brands and styles of bathroom exhaust fans are also being manufactured. Hence, people who start to canvass and scout for bathroom exhaust fans become overwhelmed. At times, they even end up buying a brand that does not deliver what it has promised. Likewise, according to https://walkinshowers.org/best-bathroom-exhaust-fan-reviews.html, there are also brands that will work efficiently for a certain period and will gradually deteriorate. Therefore; it is important that people learn how to properly evaluate the exhaust fan that they are going to buy.

Factors to Consider

The Size of the Bathroom Fan

It may sound so obvious but most people often forget to consider this factor when they buy a bathroom exhaust fan. Most of the time, the exhaust is being installed in the window in order to avoid putting a hole in the wall. Thus, people should measure the space in their bathroom window where they intend to put the fan. Nevertheless, there are bathroom exhaust fan brands wherein their sizes can be customized with an extender.

In addition, the size of the exhaust fan should also be related to the square footage of the bathroom. Through such, the user will be assured that the area will be properly ventilated. If the suitable size will not fit the window, then, the buyer should opt to just have it installed on the wall. He or she also has the option to buy dual-blade exhaust fans. As a guide from experts, 1 CFM of a bathroom exhaust fan matches one square foot of a bathroom area. However, 50 CFMs should be added as an extra.

The Level of Noise it Produces

Generally speaking, exhaust fans produce a jet-engine-like sound because they have powerful motors, as well as blades that rotating. However, the level of noise is different for each brand available in the market. That is because there are manufacturers that use advanced technology. Nevertheless, the noise level of exhaust fans is measured at sones. According to experts, quiet exhaust fans have a noise rating of two sones or below.

The Amount of Energy it Uses

It is factual that exhaust fans operate with the help of electricity. Thus, they can add up to the person’s monthly electrical bills. However, there are already brands that are designed to be energy efficient. In fact, some of them save energy as high as 70%.

 

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Published November 14, 2017 by

Main Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is something that everybody would be feeling at least once in a lifetime. Though some people experience many kinds of back pain, it is difficult for them to really treat them because they do not know what is causing them, unless they go to a professional to help them identify the kind of pain and give them some special treatment. It would be better to know the cause so that one can be able to give it immediate relief even if they are at home. Upper Back Pain in the upper back is usually caused by injuries, muscle, and joint dysfunctions. Here are some of the main causes of upper back pains:

 

1. Bad posture

 

Having a bad posture, especially when your work requires you to sit for hours in front of your desk, would definitely give you upper back pains. The muscles on the back become weak and it won’t be able to hold the spine well. Pressure or stress in certain areas would be intensified if you lean too often on that side while sitting.

 

2. Lifting Heavy Objects

 

When you lift a heavy object and hold it above your head and holding it more to the left side or the right instead of at the center, the stress on your muscles would not be distributed properly and would cause your right or left shoulder and back feel more pain.

 

3. Overworking

 

If you spend long hours lifting, pushing, or any activity that uses your upper back muscles including your shoulders, you would be experiencing some back pain. The overuse of the muscles would cause them to be strained and inflamed. Also, the ligaments might experience some sprains.

 

4. Accidents

 

A major accident like a car crash, falling from a high place, sports injuries and more can cause trauma to the back. These accidents can injure the spine, muscles, tissues, discs, and ligaments that would bring pain to certain parts. Lower Back Lower back pains are often more serious and last longer. Here are some of the main causes of lower back pains:

 

1. Disc Problems

 

The discs on the back can irritate some nerves that are close to them and cause them to be inflamed. Discs can also be torn and would trigger severe pain. The tearing of the discs can be caused by dehydration. Older people tend to feel this more often than younger ones because the body loses more water as it ages.

 

2. Joint Dysfunctions

 

The joints at the back are prone to different injuries that cause inflammation and severe pain. Both disc and joint problems can lead to more serious problems like stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis and more.

 

3. Spine deformity

 

Scoliosis and kyphosis are examples of abnormal deformities in the spine. Because the spine is not properly aligned, some activities and even just sitting down for a long time would cause pain to the patient.

 

4. Fractures

Bone fractures occur more often in people who have weak bones. When the bones are not developed well, they break easily and would cause the muscles and nerves around them to ache. There are different treatments for each type of back pain, depending on the cause. For serious problems, doctors have to do some special surgery to correct the disorder. Some pains can be eliminated with some good massage though. If you are interested in getting a back massage that would soothe the pain fast, you can read these back massager reviews.

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Published November 10, 2017 by

Knowing the Value of Solar Energy

Gone are the days when the use of solar power is only limited to the wealthy. Today, this is used as an opportunity to control one’s monthly bills. All who wants to have a low risk and long-term investment employ solar energy in their homes and offices as well.

You need to know that the residential solar’s median costs significantly dropped over the last one and a half decade. For instance, the residential roof mount is now $3 per watts cheaper. This means the cost lowered up to 59% than the 2010 predictions. In 2014, this type of energy became the most efficient energy source in the country.

Installing solar panels in your home is surely worth the investment. The fact that it comes with 25 years warranty only means that your money is protected for a long period of time. The system will last for 4 decades and requires little to no maintenance at all. Hence, the remaining years of use will be a saving opportunity on your part. The fact that you no longer pay for a monthly electric bill means additional money in your budget.

Many people have proven that solar energy consumption saves money. In US alone, residents of 5 states can attest to this truth since they experienced it themselves. They are the residents of Hawaii, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida since they have the first-hand experience. And if you wonder how affordable solar installation is, it is important to note that the price has dropped up to 69% in 2009 and another 19% in 2013. Hence, you will only pay the fraction of its actual price if you are going to do the solar installation project now. After 9 years of use, the installation cost for a residential solar powered system will be returned back to you from the money that you have saved in your utility bills.

But using solar energy goes beyond just saving money. In a broader sense, this is your way of contributing to the conservation of nature as well. Sun is a safe source of energy since it can never be depleted and will never produce harmful chemicals when converted to electricity. Coals, fossils and other energy sources will have harmful effects on the environment, making Earth a less desirable place for human existence in the years to come. It is true that we only opted for these forms of energy sources since they are the only ones we know of. But now that solar energy is made available to all, don’t you think it’s about time to think of making this planet a safer place to live for generations who will follow?

You don’t really need to install expensive solar panels on your roof right away. You can start with just a few solar lights in the yard or use any solar devices that will somehow lessen your utility bill expenses. Eventually, as you find the funds, you can install solar panels and make this the main source of energy source in your home. For now, just discover the benefits of using solar energy; just click here to read more.

 

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