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Protecting, Hiding E-Mail Addresses on the Rise

Apple launched a feature called “Sign In With Apple” in 2019, which aimed to allow users the ability to sign up for servers or accounts privately in order to protect their e-mail addresses. Now, the service has been enhanced with a new feature called “Hide My Email.” This new feature is designed to protect users from phishing attacks or marketing spam.

E-mail clients now include automatic spam filters that put these messages in specific folders, but they aren’t necessarily perfect. Spam e-mails can still reach inboxes, and oftentimes, important messages from previously unknown senders can get sent to spam accidentally.

Not to mention, capturing and selling e-mails is a huge business. Phishing e-mails hook many people who unknowingly provide personal information to fraudulent requests. During the global Coronavirus pandemic, phishing jumped 220 percent, according to F5 Labs.

Apple even fell under attack, as several phishing e-mails were sent posing as officials from the technology giant. Now, Apple is fighting back.

Apple users can now create single-use e-mail addresses to use in certain websites thanks to the “Hide My Email” program. New e-mails are automatically made available in the user’s primary e-mail inbox. They can also convert them to a single-use e-mail address to curtail spam messages.

Other platforms are joining the fight against spam as well. 1Password is collaborating with Fastmail to introduce a feature called “Masked Email,” which produces unique e-mail addresses for logins. Users can control all of the different addresses they create by enabling or disabling them. If users suspect their e-mail address is shared, sold, or sent spam, they can simply disable the e-mail altogether.

Cloudfare is another company dedicated to ending e-mail spam and tightening security. The “Cloudfare Email Routing and Email Security DNS Wizard” is  designed to safely and securely protect users from phishing. Cloudfare is free and integrates with Gmail, Office 365, Exchange, Yahoo, and AOL.

Since these mega companies have introduced novel features to protect users from identity theft, phishing, and spam, other businesses will surely follow their lead. Look forward to Internet Service Providers, e-mail services, and platform providers doing the same.

Concerned about phishing or spam e-mails? We can help! Contact our office today to learn more.

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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FDA Clears First Photon-Counting CT System

On September 30, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the world’s first photon-counting Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. Dubbed the Siemens Naeotom Alpha, the machine is a revolution in technology and represents the biggest shift in radiology in years.

Laurel Burk, Ph. D., assistant director of the Diagnostic X-ray Systems Team in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said, “Computed tomography is an important medical imaging tool that can aid in diagnosing disease, trauma, or abnormality; planning and guiding interventional or therapeutic procedures and monitoring the effectiveness of certain therapies. Today’s action represents the first major new technology for computed tomography imaging in nearly a decade and underscores the FDA’s efforts to encourage innovation in areas of scientific and diagnostic progress.”

Photon-counting detectors have the ability to measure each individual X-ray photon that passes through a patient’s body. Current CT systems use detectors that measure the total energy radiated from multiple X-rays simultaneously. This creates image noise, which is not as valuable when reading images. The new photon-counting system allows each individual X-ray to be read, which gives more specific details about the patient. The Siemens Naeotom Alpha creates a three-dimensional (3D) image.

Cynthia McCollough, Ph. D., scientific director of the Mayo Clinic CT Clinical Innovation Center, said, “The use of photon-counting detectors in CT scanners is really a reinvention of CT imaging because the X-ray detector is the secret sauce that determines the quality of an image, somewhat like how the number of megapixels in your phone camera determines the quality of your photo.” McCollough worked with Siemens to develop the new system, testing prototypes along the way.

McCollough added, “The images that we are seeing are incredible. We can appreciate structures that were simply too small to be resolved with previous detector technologies. The resolution is exquisite, there are noise benefits, and it is dual-energy plus, because you can get multiple energies from one scan.”

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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How Labs Are Working to Identify PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) are prominent environmental toxins found in countless products ranging from non-stick cookware, waterproof materials, cleaning products, fabrics, packaging, furniture, firefighting foam, and more. Thanks to its prevalence in industrial manufacturing, PFAS has infiltrated the global food chain and water supply. Studies have shown that more than 99 percent of the American population holds PFAS in their bloodstream. PFAS is known to cause various health issues, including cancer, liver issues, heightened cholesterol, lower infant birth weight, kidney disease, and much more.

While PFAS use is being diminished in commercial and manufacturing methods, these toxins are still widely used. Moreover, they do not break down through time, so those produced in the 20th century can still be found in our environment. There are new types of PFAS popping up frequently as industry sectors develop various products.

Soil and water supply are perfect areas for PFAS accumulation. To sample for PFAS, it is imperative to use instruments free from PFAS. There are several variants in samples, and current regulations define PFAS as a set list of contaminants. However, since evolving chemicals are constantly coming into play, there is an intensifying need for efficient analytical workflows that can spot PFAS with elevated precision or identify unidentified PFAS components in water samples.

Solid-Phase Extractions (SPE) analyze drinking water using LC-MS/MS. These techniques are time-consuming and complicated due to the use of a vacuum manifold and various chemicals. Human error can easily occur, boosting the risk of contamination. Now, new technologies for SPE are being implemented, which deliver unfailing results with minimal human interaction. This new automation process reduces the risk of contamination while simultaneously increasing overall efficiency. 

Monitoring and testing for PFAS contamination have improved thanks to recent advancements in mass spectrometry. Water testing laboratories have processes that are more cost-effective than before, achieving highly accurate results. Laboratories can now increase the range of possible objectives and more closely monitor false positives.

To learn more about PFAS or have your water tested, contact the water treatment experts at Reynolds Water today.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Seven Everyday Carry (EDC) Essentials

Emergencies are unpredictable, and no matter how much you prepare, they can happen in an instant. Don’t get caught off guard; ensure you are always ready for disaster by equipping an “Everyday Carry” or EDC. Your EDC is meant to be a bag, purse, or backpack that stays with you every time you leave the house. A few modest selections can help ensure you’re ready for anything.

  1. Flashlight: One of the most straightforward yet valuable survival tools, what better way to obtain on-demand lighting than a flashlight? Whether you are caught in a natural or human-made situation, flashlights are integral for finding your way out, through, in, around, over, etc. 
  2. Knife: Another simple-yet-essential item, knives are an excellent substitution for scissors. They can cut many objects and are helpful in emergencies that require extraction. From cutting fruit to opening packages, knives are a must.
  3. First Aid Kit: No one plans on being injured, but a first aid kit is indispensable in an emergency. A few band-aids, antiseptic, burn gel, gauze, wraps, etc., are all you need. Thankfully, the items in a first aid kit are also exceptionally lightweight, which makes this a no-brainer.
  4. Power Bank: What’s a phone for if you can’t use it? Ensure you have a proper charger and portable power bank in your EDC so you can dial on demand.
  5. Gloves: Picking up waste, fishing through muddy water, or touching a bloody mess are common practices in emergencies. Protect your hands from these nasty encounters with gloves. Make sure the gloves are rubber or waterproof, so they can be used multiple times.
  6. Lighter: Fire can cook your food or warm your body and surroundings in addition to providing a signal for help or more. Lighters are indispensable and should never be overlooked.
  7. Compass: Smartphones can lose service or fail at any given time. Especially during emergencies, when the system/grid is overloaded, it can be difficult to find a signal. Don’t rely on your phone; instead, keep a compass (and map) in your EDC. Learn how to navigate by using these priceless tools in emergencies.

Visit our online store to score these items and more.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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How Generators Help ‘Demand Response’

Power outages are becoming more of an increasing issue throughout the United States. Some factors contributing to the outages include an expanding population, higher electrical demands, and limited power grid capacities. To counterbalance the power struggles, commercial and industrial companies look to Demand Response programs.

Demand Response (DR) is also known as Demand Side Response (DSR) and functions to reduce demand on the utility suppliers during an emergency. By allowing the local electric utility (usually an Independent System Operator [ISO] or regional electric company) to spontaneously – and remotely – use onsite generators, some (or all) of the grid’s load can transfer to them. Load reduction can also be achieved by working with commercial and industrial automation systems. These systems work to reduce loads by minimizing lighting, HVAC, and other mechanical operations.  

On average, Demand Response is used up to four times per summer or four hours per emergency. The program allows organizations to set up a no-risk, no-cost opportunity to counterbalance the cost of a stationary generator. Those who choose to participate can save on energy costs, earn money, and help create reliable electricity throughout their city. In turn, this helps prevent black- or brownouts. 

By allowing their local electrical utility to curb their power consumption (when in high demand), Demand Response program participants receive recurring capacity payments in addition to additional energy payments based on their performance.

For example, a customer using a 300 kW natural gas generator could earn $4,000 during enrollment and up to $3,000 per year depending on peak energy they produce.

Natural gas generators are the best option as they are factory-certified to comply with the EPA’s standards and are allowed to be used in non-emergency situations. Since Demand Response qualifies under those regulations, the generator owner does not need to apply for a generator emissions certificate or obtain emissions testing.

For more information about implementing generators for Demand Response, contact State Electric Company today.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. With our combined, extensive knowledge in renewable energy sources through solar and battery storage, the team at State Electric works together to provide customers, large and small, with efficient electrical solutions. We specialize in smart electrical panels, EV chargers, battery storage, microgrids, and emergency generators with automatic transfer switches to ensure that all your energy needs are affordable and safely met. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Five Most Common LASIK Questions

Laser vision correction is a viable option for many people struggling with dry eyes, foggy glasses when wearing masks, contact lens fatigue from too much screen time, and plain ol’ aging. These issues are a nuisance and can be easily remediated with LASIK.

Before most people make the jump, they ask whether LASIK is safe. The answer is simple: yes, LASIK is safe. Over 7,000 clinical studies have investigated – and verified – its safety and effectiveness. Continue reading to discover more questions and answers to the most common questions.

How does LASIK work? LASIK essentially sculpts a contact lens onto the eye’s surface, giving the patient vision as if they are looking through a contact lens without the uncomfortable feeling of a lens.

What does LASIK correct? LASIK has corrected vision conditions, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Am I a good candidate? The best way to discover whether you are a good candidate for LASIK is to have a complete examination.

How many patients have 20/20 vision after LASIK? Many published studies show that roughly 96 to 99 percent of patients attain 20/20 vision or better after a laser procedure.

How long does LASIK last? Typically, the vision correction outlasts the patient. However, since eyes age with age, it might fluctuate a bit.

To learn more about how LASIK can improve your vision, contact the experts at Rohr today.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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EPA Grants 1.2M to U-M to Study Wastewater Viruses

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted the University of Michigan researchers $1.2 million. The purpose of the funds is to study the efficiency of current wastewater virus removal treatments. One of the overall goals is to increase the viability of using wastewater as drinking water.

While existing technologies might be quite effective, they can be equally complex. By upgrading the water treatment facilities – particularly in drought-prone areas – reusing wastewater might be more realistic and practical.

Krista Wigginton, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, said, “In areas where water scarcity is becoming a growing concern, they may be forced to look at methods like desalination or potable reuse for their drinking water. If we make reuse rules too stringent, and we’re not giving treatment systems the proper credit for what they’re already removing from the water, we’re going to create a much more expensive project for communities.”

Wigginton will lead a three-year study to identify what aspects of water quality can be monitored in real-time. Using three methods (ozone, coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation, and biological wastewater treatment), the researchers will evaluate whether viruses are effectively removed during those processes. 

Contaminated and strained water resources combined with a rising global population are determining factors for treating and reusing wastewater as drinking water. According to the World Health Organization, half of the global population will reside in “water-stressed” areas. In the United States, countless regions are experiencing lengthy droughts that compromise water supplies.

The EPA said, “The changing climate is challenging many communities to meet their long-term water needs. Reuse of treated wastewater and stormwater for agricultural, nonpotable or even potable uses provides an alternative source of water that can be more reliable than traditional water sources.”

Wigginton said, “We may actually be better at virus removal than we already know. For some of these processes, like ultraviolet light, we already have robust models for predicting how they eliminate viruses. But for others that may not have been studied as much, we don’t have these models. We want to correct that.”

Are you interested in purifying your water? Contact Reynolds Water Conditioning Co. today to learn how we can improve your water.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Trigger Finger Treatment

Trigger finger is identified by the inability to control a finger’s movement after getting stuck in a bent position. When trying to straighten the finger(s), it rapidly snaps out with a swift motion.

The flexor tendon is responsible for bending fingers and runs through the palm. These rope-like tendons connect muscle to bone, and many are located in the forearm. Tendons connect the fingers to the palm, wrist, forearm, and so on.

Trigger finger forms when the tendon that bends fingers cannot fit through the pulley system that holds it close to the bone. This tight sheath is located in the palm, near the base of each finger. While bending a finger, a small lump can usually be felt moving up and down. Trigger finger can be relatively painful and complaints are more prominent in the morning.

Treatments for trigger finger include:

  • Splints
  • Cortisone injections
  • Surgery

Generally, non-invasive treatments are sought out before surgery is advised. During a surgical procedure, the tight pulley (called the A1) is divided so the tendon can move freely without getting stuck. A relatively simple outpatient surgery can be done in-office with a local anesthetic or in an operating room, with or without sedation.

After treatment for trigger finger, the most important thing is to keep bending your fingers as much as possible. Finger motion should be executed every waking hour. Elevation and light lifting can be done immediately. In about two- to three weeks, patients can resume normal activities.

Do you have trigger finger or know someone who does? Contact our office today to learn how we can help mitigate this issue for you.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Electrical Youth Camp for Employers and Employees

A boot camp called Support Ontario Youths is on a mission to support trainees and employers by streamlining and abridging the apprenticeship journey.

Support Ontario Youth works together with various skilled trades and partners with specific organizations to host boot camps for those areas. They not only provide youth training; they also hire experts to train them.

In the electrical boot camp, attendees can experience wiring a wall outlet through hands-on learning and an instructional booklet. Support Ontario Youth brings in positive, accountable, determined youth who have a strong desire to learn.

Electricians who are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and enjoy teaching are encouraged to apply for a position at the boot camp.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Seven Kitchen Island Features Recommended by Professionals

Kitchen islands are versatile, and the options are seemingly endless. While the advantages might seem straightforward, it can be overwhelming to choose from such a large number of possibilities. Kitchen islands can bring many benefits, including more storage, an extra countertop, a place for seating, improved circulation, another sink, cooking area, or more. Here are a few ideas for yours:

  1. Seating: The most commonly recommended use for a kitchen island is seating, as they become a gathering point for family and guests. From homework to snacks, seats can bring cohesiveness to your kitchen. Be mindful of the height of the seat itself, length, and spacing between chairs.
  • Storage: Adding more space to your kitchen with cabinets can be a no-brainer, yet many kitchen islands are not double-sided. To maximize storage, your kitchen island can have cabinets included on the back side (beneath the stools) as well. These somewhat hidden cabinets can be ideal for storing holiday platters and other sparingly-used kitchen tools or gadgets.
  • Outlets: If you use blenders, mixers, or simply want to charge your electronic devices, outlets can be a perfect addition to your kitchen island. You can also consider putting an outlet in a drawer or cabinet to hide devices while you’re rolling out a pie crust or chopping meat.
  • Fridge: Cabinet or drawer fridges are perfect for grabbing a snack or drink without interrupting the overall kitchen workflow. Consider adding a small fridge at the end of the island furthest away from the chef’s hustle-and-bustle.
  • Microwave: Serving a similar purpose as the fridge, place a microwave in an inconspicuous place so people can heat snacks without getting in the way. Additionally, by adding the microwave to your kitchen island, your cabinets or countertops will be free for more work surfaces and limit visual clutter.
  • Sink: Two sinks might seem like overload for a kitchen, but if you designate one as a “prep sink” and the other for cooking or dishes, it eases the congestion around a single sink. Just imagine…no more dripping water between transfers from the sink to the island.
  • Garbage: As with any main work area, it’s essential to have a trash can nearby. You can easily wipe food scraps or crumbs off the surface directly into the bin. Super convenient, this is also a great way to free up space throughout the rest of the kitchen.

Are you dreaming of adding a kitchen island? We can make your dreams a reality – contact us today!

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.