Consumer

Total Post: 91

How to Relieve Pain from Neck and Shoulders?

How to Relieve Pain from Neck and Shoulders?

Various factors are responsible for neck and shoulder pain. Several people daily live with neck and shoulder pain caused by stress, bad posture, or poor diet. Although making changes can prevent or reduce the pain, specific procedures are more effective by producing faster relief from neck and shoulder pain.

Pain from neck and shoulder can affect productivity and overall wellness that is why getting the right medication or procedure can ease the pain. Here are ways to relieve pain from the neck and shoulder.

1. Stretching the Neck and Shoulders

Pain from neck and shoulder is usually caused by poor posture – sleeping awkwardly, sitting hunched in front of a computer, TVs, or smartphones. By stretching your neck and shoulders, you can reduce the intensity of the pain felt in those parts of the body. Tilt your head to one side and relax the opposite shoulder. Remain in this position for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

2. Mild Exercise

The bulk of the pain from the neck and shoulder is caused by deconditioning the muscles between the shoulder blades. Because of this, engaging the deconditioned muscles in a mild exercise can ease the pain.

Gently squeeze the shoulder blades together by pulling the shoulders backward. Remain in the position for 10 seconds each time and repeat for one minute.

3. Botox Injections

Botox injections are meant not only for cosmetic purposes; persons feeling pain in the neck and shoulders can benefit from the injections. Botox can be injected into the neck and shoulders where the pain is felt. The effect of Botox is that it blocks the neurons that send signals to the brain. As a result, the pain felt will reduce. Botox is not only for fixing wrinkles but also for relieving pain from the neck and shoulders.

4. Keep Warm

If you have pain from neck and shoulders, ensure to wear a scarf around your neck, take warm showers, and use hot water bottles. This will enable your muscles to relax, and pain in the neck and shoulders will reduce.

5. Rub In Some Gel

Buy over-the-counter pain relief gel like arnica gel and apply directly on your neck and shoulders for pain relief. The gel is safe to use alongside pain medicines without any side effects.

Takeaway

Pain from neck and shoulders can affect you severely. Take Botox injections or any other solutions discussed above to ease your pain. You must deal with the pain to live free from pain and focus on essential issues.

Why Does My Drain Get Clogged?

Why Does My Drain Get Clogged?

Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems faced by many homeowners. Drains are designed for water passage; unfortunately, water is not the only thing that goes down. Other items going down the drains, apart from water, can cause a blockage resulting in a need for drain repair.

There are several reasons why your drain gets clogged. Here are some items that can clog your drains.

1. Hair

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is human hair. The drains of the bathroom, bathtub, laundry, and shower can get clogged by the hair over time. If it combines with grease or soap and gets attached to the parts of the drain, it can cause a total drain blockage. 

2. Oil, Fat, and Grease

Kitchen drains are the most vulnerable to clogging caused by oil, fat, and grease solidifying in the pipes. After hardening, the fat or grease will trap debris and cause slow draining or complete blockage of the drains.

3. Food Waste

Your kitchen drains can also get clogged by left-over food that is pushed down the drain. Coffee grounds and tea leaves are among the culprits that clog pipes. To avoid drain repair, pour food waste into a carburetor. 

4. Feminine Products

Flushing feminine products such as tampons, cotton swabs, sanitary pads, and lots more down the toilet will block the drain, as they become bigger when absorbed water. You, unavoidably, will need a drain repair company to help you when your toilet gets clogged.

5. Wipes and Diapers 

The toilet is meant for human waste and toilet paper. Wipes and diapers can block up the toilet when flushed down. During several drain repairs, wipes and diapers are among the objects that clogged most toilets. Because of that, they should not be flushed down the toilet. 

6. Tree Roots

Tree roots growing underground search for water or moisture towards a tiny crack in the pipe. Over time, the roots will become larger and block water from flowing freely. This can cause water backup and flooding. CCTV surveys can help to detect this issue and minimize excavation and limit the cost of drain repair.

7. Mineral Build-up

If you have hard water in your home, the chances are that your pipes will become clogged by mineral deposits after a long time. Contact a drain repair company to fix the issue. 

Takeaway

At some point, your drains will get clogged by one of the cases discussed above. When that happens, hire a professional contractor for drain repair to limit damages and repair costs.

How to Disaster Proof Your House?

How to Disaster Proof Your House?

It is essential to disaster-proof your house to minimize damages to properties and loss of lives. Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but you can put measures in place to ensure that your home is not severely affected. The following tips are ways to disaster-proof your house.

1. How to Protect Your House From Wind

While you cannot prevent the wind from blowing, you can protect your home from being vulnerable. Strong winds target holes and cracks in a house, causing the building to collapse and damage the belongings.

You can disaster-proof your house against the wind by caulking or filling cracks or holes around windows and doors. Ensure that your door hinges are in good condition. Replace your doors and windows where necessary. Also, if your roof is gabled, install truss bracing. Your house will be able to withstand strong winds.

2. How to Protect Your House From Flooding

In addition to monitoring the weather forecasts for your state or city, you must protect your house from flooding. The state of the physical structure of your home is crucial to withstanding flooding. To protect your house, seal up cracks or holes in the house’s foundation using mortar or masonry caulk. Also, apply sealants and coatings to your foundation, doorway, windows, and walls to prevent water from penetrating your house. 

Another tip on how to protect your house from flooding is to install a battery-powered sump pump to pump water outside the house when there is a power outage due to a torrential downpour. Besides, you should install backflow valves into your sewer or septic lines to prevent water backup in your home. 

Another helpful tip to protect your house from flooding is to grade your lawn away from your home to enable free flow of rainwater from your house. Meanwhile, make sure that you relocate essential documents and items to higher ground.

3. How to Prevent Your Home From Cold Weather Damage

Extreme cold weather causes pipes to freeze and burst, causing water damage in your home. Ensure to remove and drain hoses from the faucets. Turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucets or open valves on the faucets to drain them. Let your faucets drip to prevent your pipes from freezing. 

Takeaway

Follow the tips above on how to protect your house from flooding and disaster-proof your home. Secure your home while you can to avoid damages and loss of property.

How frequently should bathroom remodeling be done?

How frequently should bathroom remodeling be done?

Do you want to know how often you should remodel your bathroom? Did you finish bathroom renovations and wish to know the next time to remodel it? Do not worry; we will provide you information that can assist you in making an informed decision. 

Bathroom remodeling is not a small task. It involves a detailed plan, cost, and expertise that necessitates hiring a contractor. How frequently you should remodel your bathroom depends on some factors, and that why there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for the frequency of bathroom renovations. 

Why Carry Out Bathroom Renovations?

Bathroom renovations are carried out because of one or more of the reasons below:

1. Functionality

Bathroom renovations become necessary when there are defects in the facilities or components of the bathroom such that it is not comfortable or easy to use the bathroom again. Plumbing issues, broken vanities, electrical faults affecting water heater, poor lighting, outdated bathtub, poor bathroom layout, missing tiles, etc. will affect the functionality of the bathroom. With these, you need bathroom renovations. 

2. Aesthetics

You may wish to enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom to make it more attractive and appealing. This includes replacing outdated items, repainting the walls and ceiling, replacing lighting fixtures, installing stylish faucets, etc. 

3. Efficiency

Another reason for bathroom renovations is to improve efficiency. It involves replacing the traditional toilet with a water-efficient model, replacing the old heater with an energy-efficient water heater, and upgrading the lighting fixtures and lamps with energy-saving devices. You will save money in the long run. 

4. Resale Value 

Many homeowners invest in bathroom renovations to increase their property value since most homebuyers consider the present condition of the bathrooms and kitchen to make a ‘buy’ decision.

How Frequently Should Bathroom Remodeling Be Done?

If you are not planning to sell your home, then your intention to remodel your bathroom is driven by one of the reasons above. As a result, consider bathroom renovations when one of the following occurs: 

  1. Leaking or corroded pipes 
  2. Missing tiles 
  3. Water backup in the bathroom
  4. Poor Lighting
  5. Mold and mildew
  6. Physical damage to the vanities
  7. Other issues relating to the functionality, aesthetics, or efficiency of the bathroom.

Takeaway

The bathroom is one of the most commonly used rooms in the house. As a result, it is subject to wear and tear, staining, dampness, plumbing problems, and much more. You should schedule bathroom renovations to suit your bathroom condition to make it highly functional and safe for everyone.

Top 5 Escape Rooms In Oakville

Top 5 Escape Rooms In Oakville

Finding the right spot to spend time with your friends, family or colleagues could take long hours of discussions. Here is the list of 5 top escape rooms in Oakville to save some of your hours.

1. Escape from the 6

It is one of the best escape rooms available in Oakville and surrounding areas. If you are looking for a place to plan birthday parties, corporate events, or an evening with your friends and family, this is the right place to go. There are currently two escape rooms available i.e., The Wild West Escape Room and Fire Fighter Rescue Mission Game. Here is a review by one of the escapees

“Went on a Saturday with friends and family. The firefighter escape room was just the right amount of challenge and amazingly fun! The staff was personable and made us feel extremely welcome. As someone who has done escape rooms all over the world (Malaysia, South Korea, USA) this was by far my favourite! I can’t wait to see what else they can come up with!”

2. Narrow Escape

Another place to go for a family outing in Oakville is Narrow Escape. This place has five escape rooms and different VR games to choose from and is a great fit for your group events. Here is what a visitor had reviewed about them

“Good escape room, and I’ve done quite a few. The lobby is very nicely designed with lots of games for when you’re waiting. Service was extremely friendly and courteous. I don’t like to spoil too much from the rooms, but the production value was very high, and the puzzles well designed. We did the ZOMBIE room and it was a lot of fun!”

3. Captive Kids

If you are looking for an escape room for your kids, this would be the best place for them. The escape rooms here are specifically designed for children and families. They currently have escape rooms in Oakville, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Waterloo. Here is a review from one of their visitors

“Anything that can keep a child away from a screen for an hour or so is worth visiting. With some inventive scenarios and lots of fun, Captive Kids Escape managed to keep my son engaged and have a great experience”

4. Mission Possible Escape Rooms

Not far from Oakville, this place is located in Burlington, and here at Mission Possible Escape Rooms while picking an escape room you can choose your difficulty level (kids, beginner, intermediate or advanced). They currently have four escape rooms to offer with a 60-minute timeframe to complete one mission. Here are some of the reviews of the escapees:

“Loved working together to solve the puzzles and figure out the clues. Our second visit was just as good as the first. Highly recommend Mission Possible as the staff are friendly and the rooms are set to provide varying levels of difficulty.”

5. Confundrum Escape Rooms

This escape room is also close to Oakville and located in Burlington. With five escape rooms, this place offers a place for your corporate events, school trips, or team building activities. They also have a virtual escape room where you’ll be able to walk through the room from your home virtually with their 3D technology. Here are some of the reviews of the escapees:

“Me and my boyfriend had so much fun at Confundrum! We played Twisted Woods and we loved the story line and all the different types of puzzles. I really like that you get to choose how scary you want your experience to be and how much help you want to receive from the staff. Russell was so friendly and helpful. He made a fun experience even better! :)”

Takeaway

Escape rooms are a great place to put to your phones aside and enjoy with your colleagues or loved ones. They will keep you engaged throughout the tasks.

What Are Signs of Eye Problems?

What Are Signs of Eye Problems?

It is important to pay close attention to your body to maintain your health. When something changes or just doesn’t feel right, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have them examine the area or order additional tests. The same should be said for your vision. Many people take their eyesight for granted and forgo regular eye exams. If you do not have your eyes tested regularly by an optometrist, you may miss the early signs related to some of the most common vision problems. 

Constant Headaches

If you suffer from consistent headaches, don’t just shrug it off and take two pills. Your headaches may be caused by potential vision issues. As your eyes strain to focus on blurred or distorted objects both near and far this additional strain can lead to headaches as well as other symptoms such as eye strain.

Strained or Fatigued Eyes

Having tired eyes is a symptom of several potential issues with your eyes. Eye strain and fatigue happen when your eyes are constantly working to keep objects in focus. It is most evident when working on a task for an extended period of time, such as reading or working on a computer. However, having fatigue or strain on a regular basis should be taken as a sign to visit your optometrist. 

Blurry Vision

Having a blurred vision is usually one of the symptoms that people will seek the expertise of an optometrist. However, the blurred vision does not need to be constant for there to be a potential issue. If you are noticing somewhat blurred vision showing up every now and then, it should still be taken as a sign to get your eyes checked out.

Trouble Seeing at Night

If you are finding it difficult to clearly see at night, it could be an indication that you require glasses. Not being able to clearly make out road signs while driving at night also means that you may not see another car or a pedestrian in time to react, do not wait to have a professional examine your eyes.

Reading at Different Distances

We have all been with someone at a restaurant the needs to hold the menu as far from them as possible or right up against their nose. This is a clear sign that there is an underlying vision issue. Sometimes, non-prescription reading glasses can help with this situation, but if that doesn’t, prescription glasses should do the trick.

No matter if the cause of the symptoms above is due to Astigmatism, nearsightedness or Myopia, and farsightedness or Hyperopia, most of the time they can be corrected with a new pair of prescription glasses or contacts. However, if these signs are ignored you can be sure that the issue will worsen to a point where corrective lenses may not be able to help. 

How Does RRSP Home Buyers Plan Work?

How Does RRSP Home Buyers Plan Work?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home, starting with the property itself, location, mortgage, etc… Before venturing into a purchase you need to get a commitment letter from a lender in order to know that you will be able to secure funding for the home you want to purchase. The government has introduced regulation that helps first time home buyers. The first helpful regulation is that as a first time home buyer you avoid paying the land-transfer tax. The second piece of regulation is the RRSP Home buyers plan. This regulation helps alleviate some of the stress involved in saving for a downpayment. So, what is the RRSP home buyers plan?

The RRSP Home buyers plan allows Canadaisns to borrow funds from their RRSP account for the purpose of using it towards a down payment when buying their first property. The details of the plan are as follows:
Buyers can withdraw a maximum of $35,000 to use towards a downpayment. If a couple is buying a property then they can each withdraw $35,000.
There is no penalty or tax disadvantages when withdrawing the funds.
The Funds have to be repaid back into the RRSP account within 10 years.

The Home buyers plan has allowed many Canadians to fast-track the process of buying their first home. If you don’t have these funds in an RRSP account, consider taking out an RRSP loan 6-9 months before purchasing your home. The year you take out the loan, your RRSP contribution will help you on your tax returns as well as every year you payback the loan, the interest on that loan is tax deductible. In conclusion, when considering a home purchase, you should not only speak with a realtor or a mortgage broker, but you should also speak with a financial planner.

How Do You Stop Window Condensation?

How Do You Stop Window Condensation?

It is not unusual to see condensation on the inside of your glass, especially if you have newer, energy-efficient windows and doors. This condensation is caused by moisture in warm air, once this warm air hits a colder surface like your windowpane the moisture is deposited on the cooler surface. Think cold drink on a hot summer’s day. This process is more evident in winter months when the air in your home is significantly warmer than the temperature outside.

Unfortunately, there is no way to fully eliminate this process from occurring, but there are ways to help reduce window condensation.

A dehumidifier will make a visible difference in the amount of condensation found on your windows. A dehumidifier pulls the moisture from the air, considering the condensation on your windows is caused by moisture in the air, it makes sense that less moisture in the air means less condensation on your windows. Just make sure to empty the reservoir in a timely manner, as that collected water can vaporize, adding moisture to the air once again.

Utilizing your kitchen and bathroom fans will also help keep moisture out of the air. When we cook or take warm showers steam is released, this steam adds moisture to the air in your home. If you turn on your fan prior to cooking or showering and allow for the fan to continue to run 10-15 minutes after you are finished, you will maximize the amount of steam and moisture being pulled out of your home. 

Hang drying clothes indoors can help reduce your utility bills, but the water that dries from your clothing will add moisture to the air in your home. Hang dry your clothes outdoors in the warmer months, and avoiding hang drying your clothes indoors will help reduce the amount of moisture in your home.

Opening your windows and doors to allow for fresh air to enter your home and moisture-rich air to exit your home is another great way to reduce the condensation on your windows. Again, by reducing the amount of moisture in the air you are able to reduce the amount of moisture being deposited on your glass.

If you are finding condensation on your glass, don’t be worried as this means your windows are doing their job well, as there are no drafts cooling down the inside glass. Even though you can’t eliminate condensation from building up on your windows, you can reduce the amount of condensation. Make sure to clean up any condensation from your windows as soon as you see it build-up, as the water can cause damage to your window frames and walls if not looked after.

5 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Roof

5 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Roof

The roof of your commercial building is exposed to a wide range of abuse, from the sun’s harmful rays, to heavy snowfalls and blistering thunderstorms. Your commercial roof stands up to all of this, keeping your team and work protected underneath. A commercial roof can withstand this beating for 20+ years, and with proper maintenance your roof can last even longer.

Here are 5 commercial roof maintenance tips to ensure you get the most out of your roof:

1. Inspect Your Roof Often

Inspecting your roof often will help you catch any potential issues before they become a big problem. Look for any missing or loose material, any bubbling or peeling and any signs of damage such as cracks. Soft areas and areas where there is pooling water should also get some extra attention. Don’t forget to inspect the flashing to ensure it is also in good shape.

2. Clean Your Roof

Cleaning your roof and removing any debris means that your roof can complete its job as intended. Loose materials and debris can get clogged in the drains or even cause damage to your roof. Ensuring your roof is cleaned at least every season will ensure foreign objects to not affect your roof and its performance.

3. Have Snow Removed

Clearing the snow from your parking lot in the winter is a must and something pretty much every commercial property owner thinks about. However, clearing the snow off your commercial roof is also important, as all the snow that accumulates on your roof can cause some serious damage under the weight of the snow. If your roof suffers serious damage from the pressure and weight of the snow, that large accumulation of snow may end up in your office instead of on top.

4. Proper Drainage

Ensuring water can drain from your roof properly is vital to your roof’s health. Clear and inspect drains as well as note any areas that have water pooling and not flowing to a drain. If these pools of water are very large, you may need to call a professional commercial roofing repair company or adjust the roof’s slight slopes for proper water flow.

5. Limit Walking on Your Roof

Avoid walking on your commercial roof as much as possible. You will need to go up on your roof to inspect it, and some professionals maintenance workers will need access depending on what work they are completing. Other than that, your roof shouldn’t be seeing any additional foot traffic as it can cause lasting damage and affect the life expectancy of your roof.

How Do You Know When It’s Time For A Window Replacement?

How Do You Know When It’s Time For A Window Replacement?

I’m sure it is no surprise when we say your windows are an integral part of your home’s structure. They need to be tough enough to stand up to anything mother nature throws at them, including rain, strong winds, hail, and even ice storms. Yet we rely on our windows to brighten up our home by allowing natural light in as well as allowing fresh air in and stale air out of your home when opened. Like most items that are exposed to the elements and suffer wear and tear, eventually you will need to look into window replacement options.

How to tell if you need new windows? A simple inspection of your windows may be all you need.

When examining your windows there are three things to look for Damage, Drafts, and Condensation.

1. Damage

Some damage is much easier to notice than others. For instance, if your window pane is broken or cracked you should be able to see that fairly easily. In these situations, you may be able to just replace the glass itself and keep the frame as is. Looking for frame damage may not be as easy to spot. Look for any warping or distortions in the frame. If your window frames are damaged, you will more than likely require a full window replacement.

2. Drafts

Because your windows have both external and internal exposure to your home, there is a possibility for air transfer or drafts. If this is true in your home, you are probably paying 10%-20% more on your energy bills due to heat escaping in the winter and entering in the summer. Sealing up these drafts can be as simple as having new caulking applied to the outside of your windows. However, many cases will require the finished moulding to be removed and additional expanding foam insulation applied around the windows to fully eliminate the draft. Damaged frames are another reason for drafts, in these cases you will need to look at replacement options.

3. Condensation

With most energy efficient windows, some condensation on either the inside or outside of your windows is to be expected. Air holds moisture, and when moisture rich warm air hits the cooler surface of your window, it deposits this moisture on the glass in the form of condensation. This is the same process that happens with your cold drinks on a hot summer’s day. In these scenarios, make sure to clean up any pooling water, as it can cause damage to your sills, frames, casings, and dry wall. If you notice condensation between your window panes (double or triple paned windows), this is a sign of a real issue. This means that the seal between the window panes has been compromised, drastically reducing the efficiency of your window.

Most windows have a life expectancy of 15-25 years, a quick inspection for damage, drafts, and condensation can help you decide if it is time to replace your windows. The wear and tear will differ from one window to another on your home. A window that has full sun exposure will break down quicker than one that is in the shade, so make sure to inspect each window separately. If you find a damaged window or are in need of replacement windows, call Southfield Windows and Doors at 519-699-3872 for a no-obligation estimate.