Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Avoid These Mistakes To Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

Experienced burglars do their homework before breaking into your home, and you’re making it easier for them! Surveys conducted of convicted burglars reveal the following common mistakes to avoid:  Putting your door key under a potted plant, welcome mat, or rock. Better idea: Give an extra key to a neighbor.  Leaving a note on the front door for a visitor, that says you’ll be back soon. An experienced burglar only needs five minutes to make a clean sweep of your home. Better idea: Text your visitor, letting them know when you’ll be back.  Hiding valuables in the bedroom. The first places burglars look are the underwear drawer, between the mattress, and on the highest shelf of the master bedroom closet. Better idea: Use a safe or safety deposit box for high-priced items.  Leaving big boxes from high-ticket items on the curb. New electronics have a higher value for resale. Better idea: Fold or cut the box into pieces and hide it in a trash can.  Not stopping newspaper and mail delivery and leaving a light on when out of town. A pile of papers and no lights on are easy clues no one is home. Better idea: Have a neighbor pick the items up, and buy a timer to turn your lights on and off to make it appear you’re home.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Relieve Computer Pain In 3 Easy Steps





If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you may be experiencing fatigue, as well as aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, eyes, wrists, and legs.  Relieve the discomfort by following these tips:

STEP #1:  Give your body support to avoid aches and pains:
·     Invest in a good lumbar chair and adjust it so your feet rest comfortably on the floor.  Press your bottom against the back of the chair and use a lumbar cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly.  Keep your knees in line with your hips or raised slightly above them.   Never slump or slouch forward.
·     Sit close to the desk so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard.  Put the mouse close to the keyboard to keep your arm from being fully extended.  Give your wrists proper support so they rest in a neutral position.
·     Place the monitor so your gaze is aimed at the center of the screen, which should be 15 to 25 inches away from your eyes. 

STEP #2:  Move regularly to avoid stiffness and eye strain:
·     Stand, stretch, and walk at least a minute or two every half hour.  To stretch, reach both arms above your head.  Grasp each elbow and lean gently to each side and feel the side of your body release tension.
·     Avoid “computer vision syndrome” (headaches and eye strain are symptoms) by using the 20-20-20 rule:  Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. 

STEP #3:  Stay hydrated and nourished to avoid fatigue:
·     Drink water (or other fluids) to flush out some of the mineral build-up that occurs in inactive muscles.
·     Eat healthy snacks like fruit and nuts at your desk to maintain your energy and productivity.