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Locking vs Floating a Mortgage

The age-old question of “Lock or Float?” is typical in the mortgage industry. Mortgage brokers get asked this question frequently by first-time home buyers. The answer to this question will determine the mortgage rate borrowers ultimately receive.

Interest rates dictate monthly payments for up to 30 years (without refinancing), so this option should not be taken lightly. When you apply for a mortgage, you will be given the option to either lock or float your interest rate. Read on to discover some differences between the two.

Lock

  • Interest rate won’t change as long as you fund your loan prior to the expiration
  • Guaranteeing yourself a specific interest rate that will remain
  • Doesn’t obligate you to go through with the loan but promises a specific rate
  • Refinancing is best because the schedule for closing the loan depends on the lender
  • Doesn’t work as well for borrowers who are buying a home

Float

  • Rates might rise and fall until you finally lock in your interest
  • Ability to take advantage of a lower rate if it comes up, but you must be vigilant
  • Better choice for home buyers
  • Ensure you know exactly what the float rate will be based on

The mortgage experts at EB Mortgage can advise you on which move to make. Contact us to learn more.

EB Mortgage is a locally-owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us at 866-246-0516 or e-mail contact@ebwmtg.com today.

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

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Why You Should Consider Using a Password Manager

Password managers are an essential tool in 2021. Most websites require a username and password to log in or use their services. The human brain cannot possibly keep up with dozens of different combinations. To sidestep this issue, some people use basic passwords like “123456789” or “thisismypassword” or even integrate pet, family member names, or birthdates. Using simple, generic, or easy-to-guess passwords can easily lead to identity theft.

That’s where password managers come in: they store, generate, and manage passwords for you. All you have to remember is a single master password for your account, which is used to encrypt the contents of your password vault. It is imperative that you remember this password (maybe jot it down somewhere safe) because it is likely unrecoverable if you forget it.

Additionally, you can set up two-factor authentication to secure your password manager account. The best password managers support authentication through hardware keys or authentication apps.

Ensure the password manager you are considering supports each device platform you use. Several browser extensions rely on a local desktop component, which might not support all operating systems. The best password managers have browser extensions that function independently wherever you install them.

Complete support for mobile platforms is usually required for most modern password managers. Smartphones are typically used to access secure sites and apps. A majority of password managers translate to mobile platforms without issues. However, automatically generated passwords such as “5^3iojs#0%1@” can be challenging to input on their tiny smartphone keyboard. Thankfully, password manager apps offer fingerprint or facial recognition to fill in app credentials automatically.

Most Internet browsers have an integrated toolbar menu of saved logins and other website credentials. When users log into a secure site, the browser offers to save their credentials. When they return to that same site, those credentials are automatically filled in. This includes first and last name, e-mail address, phone number, credit cards, passport numbers, etc.

When creating new or updating weak passwords, don’t strain your brain to develop something different and solid. Password managers can handle that; you don’t have to remember it, after all. Automatically generated passwords should be at least 20 characters long and include major character types (uppercase, lowercase, symbols, numbers).

Overall, password managers are almost necessary for 2021. With various features, options, and security measures, they are much easier to use and ensure you’ll never forget a password again.

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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False Positive Cancer Diagnosis Can Result from COVID-19 Vaccine

Several peer-reviewed literature and radiology societies have been sounding alarms that COVID-19 vaccines can cause temporary inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes in some patients. While this is normal, according to experts, it can be a massive cause of concern for radiologists who assume it’s a sign of infection or cancer.

When lymph nodes are abnormal in size or consistency, lymphadenopathy (also called adenopathy) occurs. It commonly produces swollen or enlarged lymph nodes and is causing alarm on mammograms of recently vaccinated women. Patients who undergo CT scans can also exhibit these swollen lymph nodes.

The swollen lymph nodes that result from being vaccinated for COVID-19 are signs that the body’s immune system is gearing up in response to the vaccine. Experts say the inflammatory response will eventually go away. The same reactions have been seen in other vaccines such as human papillomavirus and influenza.

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) journal Radiology: Imaging Cancer published an editorial on April 9 that addresses the concerns and diagnostic dilemma. The authors point out that widespread patient education is necessary. Side-effects such as swelling should be emphasized and normalized as an immune response initiated by the vaccine.

“We write this editorial as a public service message at a time where other countries are starting mass vaccinations programs with the goal of preventing unnecessary nodal biopsies and alleviating patient concern. Imaging studies, clinicians, and news media outlets should spread awareness to educate the public regarding this side-effect to minimize patient anxiety,” the report states.

Recommendations are in place which suggest women should be asked if they have received a COVID-19 vaccine prior to imaging exams. The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) swiftly issued recommendations for how long to wait before imaging women who receive the vaccine.

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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Tips for Placing Your First Prepper Food Order

With such a wide range of prepper food available nowadays, your first order should be customizable to you and your family. To begin your prepper food journey, stock up on food that is versatile, nutritious, delicious, and not too foreign to your family.

Produce
What are your go-to fruits and veggies that you buy most at the grocery store? Since you know they won’t go to waste, purchase frozen and/or freeze-dried produce items, using recipes that incorporate them. Best of all, the cleaning, chopping, and slicing are already done for you!

Recipes
What ingredients are in your favorite recipes? Stock up on those ingredients whenever possible and keep an open mind when it comes to using the same ingredients in other recipes. Versatility is a plus!

Staples
What are your most commonly used staples? We’re talking sugar, baking powder, flour, herbs, condiments, etc. Remember, these items are typically packaged for long-term storage, which is a huge bonus. Rice, pasta, grains, and beans are versatile on their own but are also handy for soups or casseroles. They are also packed with nutrition and fiber.

Snacks
Smaller containers might seem counter-intuitive, but they can be ideal for kids and adults who eat smaller meals. Snack-sized items are also perfect for emergency kits. Granola bars, oatmeal, and the like all fall under this category.

Water
All you have to do is add water to freeze-dried meals – so make sure you have some! Tap water might not work in emergencies, so ensure you have potable water available to re-hydrate the freeze-dried food you purchase.

To start your journey in the emergency-food-prepping world, check out Wolf Survival Gear today. We offer a variety of freeze-dried and prepared foods to stock your pantry in the years to come.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all of 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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Spring Tips for Car Maintenance

After a long winter cooped up indoors, you’re probably ready to trade hibernating for some sunshine and traveling. Whatever you choose, chances are you’re going to hit the road. Before revving up your engine, make sure you get to your destination safely and efficiently with our tips for spring car maintenance. Winter can be harsh on vehicles both interior and exterior so it’s imperative to bring your car in for a full checkup to detect minor issues before they become major problems.

Oil Filter
To keep your engine running smoothly, change your oil filter at the intervals recommended in your owner’s manual. Neglecting to do so can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption, and severe engine damage.

Fluids
While changing your oil and filter, it’s essential to check your fluid levels for the power steering, brakes, transmission, windshield washer, and coolant. If the levels are inadequate, flush and replace them as recommended per the vehicles manual.

Wipers
After the winter, wiper blades typically get torn, cracked, or dried from excessive salt. Ensure you have the best visibility possible by replacing your blades in the spring.

Battery
Plummeting winter temperatures can affect the battery, so be sure to have it tested. While you’re there, make sure the mounting brackets are secure, the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free.

Windshield
With the fluctuating temperatures between summer, fall, winter, and spring, your windshield might need some TLC. Smaller, barely-noticeable cracks in the summer can turn into huge lines that span the width of the glass in the winter season due to expansion and contraction. Windshield damage can decrease the effectiveness of airbags, seatbelts, roof stability, and your safety in an accident.

Lighting
Ensure your exterior and interior lights work correctly. If motorists don’t notice you breaking, turning, or heading their way, the results could be dangerous.

Rubber
Cold temperatures can harden and damage rubber, so check all of your belts, hoses, and tires for damage. Look for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, looseness, frays, or glazing. Check the pressure on your tires monthly, and maintain the optimal pressure recommended by your owner’s manual. Make sure the tread is raised, and rotate your tires regularly.

Filters
Check your engine air filter, cabin air filter, and your fuel filter for damage or clogs and replace if necessary.

To prolong the life of your vehicle, bring it to the experts at Team CAMC today.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 20 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcome you like family and discuss all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

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

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Eye Color Genetics are More Complicated than Previously Thought

According to a new study published in Science Advances, an international team of researchers led by King’s College London and Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam proved there are 50 new genes for eye color. In the most extensive genetic study of its kind to date, the researchers genetically analyzed almost 195,000 people throughout Europe and Asia.

Eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism, where eye pigment levels play a role, will be better understood with the new research. Additionally, researchers discovered eye color in Asians with different shades of brown is genetically similar to eye color in Europeans ranging from dark brown to light blue.

Previous research identified a dozen genes linked to eye color, and scientists thought that eye color variations were controlled by a single gene or two. Typically, the perception was that brown eyes were more common/dominant than blue eyes.

Dr. Pirro Hyski, a co-senior author at King’s College London, said, “The findings are exciting because they bring us a step closer to understanding the genes that cause one of the most striking features of human faces, which has mystified generations throughout our history. This will improve our understanding of many diseases that we know are associated with specific pigmentation levels.”

Dr. Manfred Kayser, a co-senior author at Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, said, “This study delivers the genetic knowledge needed to improve eye color prediction from DNA as already applied in anthropological and forensic studies, but with limited accuracy for the non-brown and non-blue eye colors.”

For all of your eye care needs, contact the experts at Rohr Eye & Laser Center 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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Six Significant Benefits of Using Iron Filters

Most well owners know that iron is a common culprit of maintaining clean water. Brown, tinged-colored glasses of drinking water or bright orange streaks in toilets and bathtubs are signs of an iron issue. Stains, discoloration, and foul odors and flavors mean there is iron in your water. Iron can clog pipes, reduce household water pressure, ruin the taste of coffee, tea, and other beverages, and stain appliances including the sidewalk and siding surrounding your house.

Iron enters water through the earth’s crust, as it is the most abundant mineral and perhaps causes the most nuisance in water across the globe. Rusty, corroded plumbing is also responsible for letting iron leak through into well water. Three forms of iron exist: ferric, ferrous, and bacterial. Each type requires a different iron filter or treatment process. When exposed to oxygen and water, iron begins to oxidize and deteriorate, turning into rust.

To properly and effectively remove iron from your water, an iron filter is your best bet. Iron filters remove stains, reduce contaminants, and purify water.

  1. Removes Rust: Appliances can rust and corrode quickly if iron is present, and excessive sulfur gives off a rotten egg smell. Sulfur, manganese, and iron are all removed with filters.
  2. Eliminates Sediments: The small particles that can be found at the bottom of a glass of water or a bucket are considered impurities. In large quantities, they can cause water to be unsafe to drink. Iron filters remove sediment as tiny as 20 to 40 microns resulting in pure, clean water.
  3. Low Maintenance: Iron filters have an automatic controller that initiates a regeneration cycle based on the amount of water passing through the system and the number of days used. Trapped particles are flushed out during this process, so the homeowner only needs to check them twice a year to ensure they are working correctly.
  4. No Stains: If you are tired of seeing yellowish-orange rust stains in your bathroom, an iron water filter might be for you. Household pipes, showers, and appliances will sparkle, along with your clothes – especially whites – which will last much longer.
  5. Chemical-Free: Most iron filters do not use chemicals. Instead, they employ ozone as it is environmentally friendly and easy to use.
  6. Pure, Clean Water: This might be an obvious reason, but iron water filters considerably enhance drinking water quality.

Without chemicals, sediments, odors, or stains, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t install an iron filter sooner. Contact the experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning today to install an iron filter in your home or business.

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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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Four Ways Radiology Can Reduce Its Climate Change Impact

Typically, climate change (a.k.a. global warming) is associated with planes, trains, and automobiles using fossil fuels, hazy skies, and radioactive plants pushing clouds into the atmosphere. However, the radiologic industry plays a more significant role than you might imagine, and industry leaders say the time to reduce that impact is now.

Published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, a team of industry experts, including Geraldine McGinty, M.D., MBA, president of the American College of Radiology (ACR), issued a call-to-action statement.

“Radiology is well-positioned to spearhead climate change action in our practices and the healthcare system at large. Addressing climate change provides an opportunity to improve healthcare delivery and increase value of care using a different problem-solving approach,” said the team.

The Yale University School of Medicine released data that shows 10 percent of the nation’s carbon emissions (and nine percent of harmful non-greenhouse air pollutants) originate from the United States healthcare system.

Radiology is a significant contributor to each hospital’s energy use. In Switzerland, as the team pointed out, their three CT and four MRI scanners accounted for four percent of the hospital’s overall energy use. Being more environmentally conscious isn’t specific to the industry; it’s a patent priority as well. In the United Kingdom, a survey conducted showed that 92 percent of patients also consider sustainable healthcare operations vital.

Substantial energy use: Radiology utilizes an enormous amount of energy. In the span of a year, cumulative consumption from one CT scanner can equate to five four-person households. A single MRI uses nearly as much as 26 four-person residences. If at all possible, opt for ultrasound instead. Not only is it cheaper, but it also uses less radiation and has a lower environmental impact. Moreover, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to shorten MRI protocols can lower energy use. To further reduce the carbon footprint, implementing life cycle analyses can quantify the environmental impact of various modalities.

Standby mode: To reduce the amount of energy used by the imaging machines, use standby mode. Even when idle, they are consuming significant amounts of energy, according to the team. Cooling machines take an equal amount of energy to operate. The team recommends a 24-hour operating cycle, as well as exploring energy-efficient HVAC systems and imaging technique improvements.

Power down: Though leaving the PACS off overnight might be more convenient and efficient for workload management, the team suggests turning the machine off overnight. A hospital in Iceland left its systems on overnight and accumulated 25,040 kilowatts of energy, producing 17.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide. These levels are equivalent to the emissions produced by four passenger cars annually. To decrease costs and improve energy efficiency, powering down can be an easy way to accomplish these goals. Additionally, the team suggested reducing excess packaging in your procedures to drive down the environmental costs in production and disposal.

Opt for clean energy: The team said now is the time to shift from fossil fuels and lean toward renewable energy. As prices are dropping, several facilities are already making progress. For example, Kaiser Permanente has achieved carbon-neutrality, and Gundersen Health System is already net carbon positive.

To make these changes a reality, radiologists need to become activists, according to the team. Lobby local ACR chapters to join national efforts or reach out to specialty societies to further push environmentally sustainable radiology. Publishing carbon footprints can help other medical departments understand the environmental dangers associated with over-utilization.

Radiologists are urged to join the Medical Society Consortium on Climate Health, which includes 29 national medical societies, as suggested by the team.

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RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerator and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 or visit us on the web: https://www.radparts.com.

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

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Robotic Pool Cleaners & Ten Features to Look For

You might think robotic pool cleaners are a thing of the future, but actually, they have been around for quite a while. These powerful little machines suck up small and large debris. They don’t attach to your pool circulation system or rely on your pool filter; rather, they run on electricity by themselves.

Robotic pool cleaners navigate through the pool, scrubbing walls and floors with tiny brushes. They vacuum everything from small insects to acorns. Some models can even clean the waterline around the pool.  A built-in bag/cartridge holds debris. Since they filter and clean the water, pool robots are considered a secondary pool filter. As water is sucked in, debris is collected in a filter that removes up to two microns for a superiorly clean pool.

Running on low voltage, robotic pool cleaners are submersible. They have extremely long power cords that should only be plugged into Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which automatically shut off if any electrical imbalance is detected. Certain models are double insulated, meaning they are designed to work safely without the grounding prong. To ensure you don’t get shocked, only use GFCI outlets around water sources.

So, what features should you look for if you are in the market for a robotic pool cleaner? Here are ten suggestions:

Weight: Make sure you can lift it in-and-out of the pool with ease.

Tires: Wide rubber tires and four-wheel drive capabilities help the robot traverse over bumps.

Cord: Since cords can easily tangle, make sure it’s a swivel cord to enable proper movement.

Brushes: Seek robots with hard-bristle brushes or multiple rotating brushes that can scrub well.

Timer: Programmable timers are a breeze – set it and forget it.

Terrain: Ensure the robotic pool cleaner can climb the sides, waterline, or stairs with ease.

Sensors: Deflecting features help prevent the robot from getting stuck in a corner or on obstacles.

Efficiency: Cleaning cycles should be moderate, and multiple cycle options are ideal.

Durability: Read the warranty before using your cleaner, so you know what to do if it fails.

Energy: Try to avoid models that use more than 1,000 watts per hour as they can be expensive to operate over time.

For all of your pool renovation needs, contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering today.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

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

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Optimism Rises in Commercial Contractor Field

A report from the United States Chamber of Commerce revealed that commercial contractors are becoming more optimistic about the future. The report noted that contractor optimism is being driven primarily by a rise in revenue expectations and better outlooks on hiring and equipment spending plans.

During the first quarter of 2021, 36 percent of contractors reported they anticipated their revenue to increase over the rest of the year, rising 25 percent from the last quarter of 2020.

A moderate to high level of confidence was reported by 86 percent of contractors regarding the United States market’s ability to provide new business in 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2020, 19 percent of respondents said their confidence level was high; in 2021, almost a quarter (24 percent) reported the same.

The report stated, “The score of revenue expectations, one of the index’s three leading indicators, jumped five points to 57, while contractors’ confidence in new business opportunities rose two points to 59.”

In the upcoming six months, 46 percent of contractors said they would employ more people, making hiring plans gain traction, up from 37 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020. Only three percent of contractors expect to diminish staffing, down from 12 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020; 46 percent expect to keep the same amount of personnel.

Neil Bradley, executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy for the United States Chamber of Commerce, said, “The industry still has a way to go to return to pre-pandemic levels, but rising optimism in the commercial construction industry is a positive sign for the broader economy.”

For all of your electrical contractor equipment needs, contact the experts at J&P Electrical today.

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.