how-to guide

September 19, 2010 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

HOW-TO GUIDE

2 Sunday, September 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

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•• BBoobb WWiilllliiaammss,, ppuubblliisshheerrbob.williams@thesouthern.comspecial.thesouthern.com

•• TToo ssuubbssccrriibbee:: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618-997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County;or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday andSunday.

•• TToo ppllaaccee aa ddiissppllaayy aadd:: Call 8 a.m. to 5p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; fromWilliamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free:800-228-0429, option 6.

This special section was produced entirely by TheSouthern Illinoisan’s retail advertising department.

Page 3 - How To Choose a Storage FacilityPage 4 - How To Choose an

Assisted Living FacilityPage 6 - How To Choose an OrthodontistPage 8 - How To Get Rid of Varicose VeinsPage 11 - How To Choose a DoctorPage 13 - How To Choose a DentistPage 14 - How To Choose a PharmacistPage 16 - How To Choose a HospitalPage 18 - How To Choose a

Mortgage LenderPage 20 - How To Choose a

HVAC CompanyPage 22 - How To Look 10 Years YoungerPage 25 - How To Start a BusinessPage 27 - How To Choose a Carpet StorePage 28 - How To Choose a JewelerPage 30 - How To Choose a Boat Dealer

Page 32 - How To Choose a Home Improvement Center

Page 34 - How To Avoid Knee SurgeryPage 37 - How To Choose a

Community CollegePage 38 - How To Choose a

Physical TherapistPage 40 - How To Choose a RV DealerPage 42 - How To Choose a CatererPage 44 - How To Choose a

Financial InstitutionPage 46 - How To Protect Your Legal

Needs as You AgePage 48 - How To Choose

Window TreatmentsPage 50 - How To Choose a ChiropractorPage 52 - How To Choose a Fitness CenterPage 55 - How To Choose a Health

Mobility Company

Table of Contents

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, September 19, 2010 3

HOW-TO GUIDE

Picking a storage buildingmay seem straightforward, butthe sheer number of choicesavailable can make it tough tomake a smart decision.

In fact, if you haven't, youmay be surprised at all theoptions available. From thematerials and construction toappearance and size, there is awide range of choices that cansuit any budget — but you wantto make sure it's a building thatcan meet your needs for thelong term.

CCOONNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNThe first thing you'll want to

consider is how the building isconstructed. Unlike regularhouses — which are usuallycovered by standardizedbuilding codes to ensureconsistent quality — storagebuildings can vary widely inhow they're put together.

The very best storagebuildings are built just asstrong, if not stronger, than thehome you live in. You'll want tolook closely at the roof to knowwhat kind of shingles, deckingand trusses are used becauseany corners that are cut herecould lead to water damage overtime. Also watch for the pitchof the roof. The steeper pitchesnot only shed water and snowbetter but also gives you morevalue with more usable storagespace inside.

You should also look at thedoors and walls to see howthey're constructed and howsturdy they feel, including whattype of hardware come with thedoors. Does it have a goodinterior latches as well as asecure key-lockable outside

latch? For the flooring, make sure

your storage building has thickdecking and a joist systemdesigned to eliminate sagging.Most people put heavyequipment like lawnmowers intheir storage sheds, or pull theirvehicles, ATV toys, andcompact tractors into a portablegarage. So it's critical to use awell-built floor if your buildingis going to last.

DDEESSIIGGNNNext, you'll want to look at

how the building is designed,both from an appearance andusability standpoint.

How much you enjoy yourstorage building will largely bedictated by how well it's laidout. If you plan to use it as a

garden shed, you'll probablywant windows to let insunlight, for example, or takeadvantage of ridgelite which isavailable in many roof designs.If you plan to use it to store acar, then a garage door option isa must.

The door location, floorplanand overall space can differgreatly from building tobuilding, so you should alsothink about your site plan whenpicking the design. It is alsoimportant to design a properspace for your building to siton. A long, narrow shed willlook and feel very differentfrom a short, wide one, so thinkabout what you plan to store inthe building and which layoutwould work best for your needs.

Finally, from the standard

siding to log siding and vinylsiding, you’ll find there are nolimits to customizing a buildingthat is just right for you. Thebiggest surprise for manybuyers is all the choices for theexterior style. From shuttersand windows to trim and roofcolor, you'll find lots ofdifferent options that can makeyour storage building look like acute cottage, a rugged cabin,portable garage or a classicAmerican barn.

TTHHEE RREETTAAIILLEERRFinally, where you purchase

your storage building can makea big difference in the overallexperience. Do they offeroptions that you need? Wouldthey come back and move yourbuilding if you need it? Do theystand behind their product? Dothey have experience?

Some dealers offer a rent-to-own program, which can be agreat way to pay for your

building over time. Instead ofpaying a monthly fee for off-site storage, you can spend acomparable amount of moneyto rent a storage building onyour own premises. A portionof each monthly payment isapplied toward the purchaseprice if you decide to buy.

You will also want to find outabout delivery and assembly.Some companies prefer toassemble the building on yourproperty, but you'll get moreconsistent quality from acompany that builds itsstructures in a quality-controlled environment off-site. Otherwise, the quality ofyour building could depend onwhich crew happens to beworking and available that day.

If you get all these thingsright — the quality, design andsales process — you're sure toget a building that will meetyour needs for many years tocome.

How To Choose a Storage Building

HOW-TO GUIDE


Approximately one millionAmericans of various ages andincome levels live in an assistedliving community.

Most people living in assistedliving communities need helpwith activities of daily living orare coping with a memorydisorder. Common activities ofdaily living that requireassistance include; bathing,dressing, eating, transferring,and medication reminders.Generally, assisted living isconsidered to be an appropriatealternative for those who areunable to live on their own butare not in need of nursing homecare.

VVAARRIIEETTYY IISS TTYYPPIICCAALLAlthough these communities

are residential, a classic modeldoes not exist because theneeds and preferences of thosewho live in them vary widely.They include high-riseapartments, newly constructedbuildings, renovated schoolsand converted Victorian homes.

They can also be freestandingor combined with nursing-careor independent livingcommunities. The type ofapartment may vary but mostcommunities offer studioapartments, one-bedroomapartments, and two bedroomapartments. Manycommunities include akitchenette in each apartment.An assisted living community

may have anywhere from 12 to100 units and include areas forgroup dining, socializing, andrecreational activities.

Both non-profit and for-profit organizations own andoperate assisted living facilities,

and the cost may range from$380 to more than $4,000 permonth, based in part on wherethe community is locatedwithin the United States.

In some cases, the fees areall-inclusive, and in others, the

resident receives an additionalcharge for services. In general,this is less expensive thaneither nursing home care orcare in an individual’s home.

CCHHOOOOSSIINNGG TTHHEE RRIIGGHHTTFFAACCIILLIITTYY

If you or a loved one needsassisted living, you can begin bycontacting your Area Agency onAging for a list of localfacilities.

Try to find out if complaintshave been filed against any ofthem through your localombudsman, and determine theprice range that fits yourbudget. Then, visit thecommunity in person or if youhave access to a computer, visittheir Web sites for moreinformation. Note that manyWeb sites will provide an onlinetour or display the floor plan ofthe community. While you areonline, you may be able to viewthe facility’s activity calendar tosee how it fits in with the thingsthat are important to you, suchas transportation to nearbyhouses of worship and culturalevents, guest speakers, andvarious hobbies.

A geriatric care manager canbe consulted but will chargeanywhere from $60 to $150 perhour. Ideally, this individualwill be familiar with the cost,staff, and amenities of allassisted living communities inyour area. You will discuss what

you and your loved one hope tofind, along with what fits yourbudget. You will also be givencommunities that you can visitin person.

Remember that choosing acommunity “sight unseen” isreally not an option, but youmay be able to narrow downyour list by researching aheadof time. If time does not allowresearching communities,choose a community based onhow you feel when you walk inthe building; do you feel safe,secure and comfortable? Do youhave a personal connectionwith someone working or livingin the community? Does thereputation meet yourstandards? Does it feel likehome to you? A personal visit isreally the only way in which youcan assess the facility’s dailyroutine, the atmosphere, thestaff’s personalities, and themorale of those who live there.Choosing an assisted livingcommunity for you or yourloved one is a very importantdecision; a decision which isoften happening at a difficulttime in one’s life. It isimportant to use all theresources that are available andask as many questions aspossible.

How To Choose anAssisted Living

Community

HOW-TO GUIDE


One of the best ways to makea positive first impression toother people is with a greatsmile. Your smile is not only animportant part of who you are,but it is also an extremelyeffective witness to the qualityof orthodontic care you havereceived.

Choosing the rightorthodontist is vitallyimportant if you want to makesure your smile will dazzlepeople you meet for years tocome. “It is very important tochoose an orthodontist whocommunicates well with thepatient and parent”, said Dr.Kyle Childers, of ChildersOrthodontics. “In my office,parents are always welcome inour clinic area. Our team enjoysgetting to know our patientfamilies. We want our patientsto experience some memorableand fun times throughout theirtreatment process”.

One of the most effectivesources of information aboutorthodontists is to seek out andtalk to people who are currentlyunder orthodontic care or havehad braces recently. People who

have had exceptional care willbe able to direct you to a localsource that can hopefullyprovide you the same service.Conversely, if they have had badexperiences, they can tell youthings to watch out for.

You should be able to getadvice on things beyond justthe braces themselves, but alsoon how the doctor and stafftreat their patients and the levelof comfort they can provide inthe process.

Think of questions you wouldwant to know about anymedical professional before youwere to visit them for the firsttime and see what informationthey can provide. Questionsabout staff courtesy, cost,availability and the doctor’songoing education can go a longway to helping you make aninformed choice. “Keeping upwith the newest trends intechnology does take sometime. I usually spend at leastfour weeks a year in continuingeducation courses”, Childerssaid.

Once you have gathered somepotential names, there is a

wealth of information you caninvestigate to narrow downyour selection of orthodontists.Make sure the doctors you areconsidering are not merelydentists, but that they are aspecialist in orthodontics.

The American Association ofOrthodontists (AAO) includesonly doctors who are specialistsin orthodontics. Their Web sitecan be found at www.braces.organd can provide moreinformation.

Checking to see if they arecertified will give you furtherpeace of mind that the doctorhas gone through the process ofmaintaining proficiency in theirspecialized field. “Be sure toseek an orthodontist who iscurrent with the newesttechnology”, Childers said. “Many new advances have beenmade to reduce the number ofvisits and the amount of timemissing school and/or work.Computer aided treatment,such as Suresmile, consistentlyreduces the number of visitsand treatment time by 30% ormore, while improving theoverall quality of the results”.

Talking to your regulardentist, even if he or she is notan orthodontic specialist, canalso be valuable. Most dentistscan make referrals to specialiststhat they approve of, many ofwhom they have worked withpersonally. “One of the biggestmisconceptions is that a dentistreferral is needed to see anorthodontist”, Childers said.“That is absolutely not true,however, it’s best to be up-to-date with your dental cleaningsand check-ups”.

If you have established a goodrelationship with your dentist,

you can hopefully be confidentthat they will direct you to anorthodontist who not only willtake great care of your teeth,but also provide the level ofcustomer service that yourdentist provides on a regularbasis. A dentist knows that anyreferrals they make will bepassed along through word-of-mouth, so they will take care togive you local options that youcan trust.

For those with dentalinsurance, once a list ofpotential care providers hasbeen formulated, you will wantto check and see which ones are

on a list of preferred providersfor your insurance.Orthodontists on this list haveagreed to provide care at areasonable and customary pricelevel. There is no guaranteeabout the quality of care,however, so this informationshould be combined with otherresearch and recommendationsyou have acquired.

With the right orthodontist,you'll hopefully be smilingthrough the whole process.

How To Choose anOrthodontist


Creating Brilliant Smiles throughout Southern Illinois

Orthodontics enhances a person’s health as well as adds to self esteem & confidence. Knowing each individual case is unique,

we will take the time to discuss your needs and expectations.

• Clear, virtually invisablealigners

• Removable • Used successfully by over

500,000 patients• Now Offering Invisalign /teen

Call for details!

Herrin, IL

618-997-1800Benton, IL

618-438-2815Harrisburg, IL

618-252-0770

Dr. Kyle Childers

Member of the American Association of Orthodontistsand the American Dental Association.

Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

Visit us at www.childersbraces.com and on Facebook

Why SureSmile will have you smiling even before your braces come off!

• Shorter treatment times• Fewer office visits• Less overall discomfort

HOW-TO GUIDE


One of the mythssurrounding varicose veins isthat they are mostlyasymptomatic and not amedical problem.

Certainly not all leg problemsare caused by varicose veins,but many are. Some people whohave varicose veins do not havesymptoms, but most do. Somepeople have symptoms causedby varicose veins, but have fewif any veins visible.

The symptoms caused byvaricose veins can be a dullaching pain, swelling, itching,burning or stinging, a tiredfatigued feeling, skindiscolorization, changes in skintexture or even an ulcer or sorein the skin. Restless legsyndrome is often associatedwith varicose or spider veins.These symptoms are worse atthe end of the day, particularlyafter prolonged standing orsitting. They are worse forwomen around their menstrualcycle or in warmer weather.They are often relieved byelevating your legs or wearingcompressive stockings. Theproblem is so common and thesymptoms begin so graduallyover a period of time, that manypatients as well as theirphysicians feel that havingthese symptoms is natural and“just the way my legs feel.

This doesn’t have to be.

Another myth about varicoseveins is that the cure is worsethan the disease. This may havehad some truth to it in the past.The old “stripping operation”

for varicose veins required ageneral anesthetic, severalweeks of bed rest in a hospital,was painful, not cosmetically

pleasing and had a significantrecurrence rate. This is not thecase today.

Tom Critchlow M.D., founderof The Vein & Esthetic Centrehas been treating vein problemsfor over 35 years and has seenand participated in the manychanges in the treatment ofvenous disorders. “The fourgreat innovations that I haveseen that have revolutionizedthe treatment of venousproblems are the duplex scan,endovenous ablation of thegreat saphenous vein instead ofstripping it, the use ofmicrophlebectomies andsclerotherapy.”

DDUUPPLLEEXX SSCCAANN:: A duplex scan allows your

physician to use ultrasound tolook at your veins andunderstand which ones arecausing your problems withoutusing needles or dye.

EENNDDOOVVEENNOOUUSS AABBLLAATTIIOONN::This procedure has replaced theold stripping operation. Nowthe procedure is done in aphysician’s office under localanesthesia with minimal, if anydowntime, minimal discomfort,no incisions and a very lowrecurrence rate. The procedureis performed with either a laseror a radio frequency device andsimply closes themalfunctioning vein, allowing itto be absorbed by the bodyinstead of ripping it out as wasdone with the strippingprocedure.

MMIICCRROOPPHHLLEEBBEECCTTOOMMIIEESS::Previously the veins remainingafter a stripping procedure wereremoved thru large, several inchlong incisions. There could beas many as 10-20 incisions on a

leg. This was not only quitepainful, but extremelydisfiguring. Today theseremaining veins are removedusing micro incisions, a fewmillimeters long that are nearlypainless and usually impossibleto find after a few months.

SSCCLLEERROOTTHHEERRAAPPYY:Although sclerotherapy hasbeen used to close veins sincethe Ancient Greeks, there hasbeen a resurgence of its usewith modern medicine. Dr.Critchlow, who has beeninjecting veins for over 25 years,has seen an increasing use forsclerotherapy in his practice.“Initially sclerotherapy wasused as a technique tocosmetically eradicate spiderveins, but today with the newerfoaming techniques combinedwith duplex visualization,deeper medically significantveins can often be treated withsclerotherapy that wouldotherwise require an operation.There are a lot of new optionsfor patients”.

So if you are one of thosepeople that suffer from legproblems caused by varicoseveins, there are new techniquesavailable to correct thoseproblems that are performed ina physician’s office, areminimally invasive, withminimal downtime,cosmetically pleasing withexcellent results. You don’thave to suffer like your mommadid!

How To Get Rid of Tired, Ugly Legs

Sunday, September 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan


HOW-TO GUIDE

Everyone needs a doctor fromtime to time, but choosing theright doctor for your needs canbe difficult. There are a fewthings to consider beforemaking your choice that willhelp in the decision-makingprocess.

The first place to start inchoosing the right doctor is tocheck with your insurancecompany or employer.Insurance companies oftenrequire participants to choose aprimary care physician (PCP)within their network. If you arecovered by insurance, you willfind that many insurancecompanies provide certaindoctors within their networkwho have agreed to certainrequirements. If you choose adoctor outside your insurancecompany's network, you maynot be covered or your paymentresponsibilities may varysignificantly. Your insurancemay require that a PCP in theirnetwork is responsible for yourmedical care and must makeany referrals that are needed foryou to see a specialist.

If there are no limitations onwhich doctor you are able tosee, you can easily look throughthe local newspaper or phonebook yellow pages. There arealso on-line directoriesavailable. You will want tochoose a family physician or aninternist who provides generalcare for common ailments andwho can help you managemultiple conditions. Mid-levelpractitioners such as physicianassistants or nurse practitionerswork under the supervision of aphysician and are also goodchoices for primary care.

You may also need to choose adoctor who specializes in acertain area of medicine.

A woman may want to choose

an obstetrician/gynecologist tocare for her specific conditions.Parents may want to choose afamily physician or pediatricianfor their children. Adults maywant to choose an internalmedicine physician. All of thesephysicians are consideredprimary care physicians.

Another helpful tip inchoosing a doctor is to getreferrals from friends andfamily. Almost everyone has a

doctor and will be more thanwilling to share theirexperiences.

Once you've chosen somepossible doctors you feel willmeet your needs, you shouldcall them to see if they areaccepting new patients and ifthey will accept your insurance.They may be able to send youinformation about theirpractice.

There are other factors to

consider when choosing adoctor. You should make surethe doctor's office isconveniently located and easilyaccessible. You should alsomake sure the doctor isassociated with the hospitalthat you are comfortable withshould the need arise. It can bean uncomfortable feeling toneed hospital care in a place inwhich you are not familiar.

You may want to check with

your doctor to see if x-rays andlaboratory tests are performedat the doctor's office. Somedoctor's offices do not providethese services and you will haveto visit a separate facility toreceive these services.

Most doctors' offices stayvery busy and have fewopenings. You should check tosee how long it will take toschedule an appointment and ifyou should have an urgent needwhether you could be seen thatsame day.

One last consideration tomake is that most doctors'offices do process insuranceclaims for you as a convenience.However, there are some whorequire an upfront payment forservices at the time services arerendered, and it is up to you tofile the claim with theinsurance company. If you donot want the hassle of filingyour own insurance claims,make sure the doctor youchoose will process insuranceclaims.

SSHHAAWWNNEEEE HHEEAALLTTHHSSEERRVVIICCEE

Nancy Muzzarelli, Director ofCommunity Outreach forShawnee Health Service,reports that the ShawneeCommunity Health Centers inCarbondale, Murphysboro,Marion and Carterville providehigh quality, affordablemedical, dental and behavioralhealth services that meet orexceed the expectationsoutlined in this article. Servicesare available to everyone bothwith and without insurance.You are welcome to call 618-985-8221 for more informationor visit Shawnee’s web site atwww.shsdc.org.

How To Choose a Doctor


Creating Beautiful Smiles Daily

Most dental services are performed in our office. We also provide:

Dental Implants DenturesLaser Dentistry I.V. Conscious SedationCosmetic Dentistry Botox & Dermal FillersInvisalign Gum Disease TreatmentOral Surgery Affordable Payment Plans!

“My wife and I moved down to southern Illinois after we retired.When we moved here we felt we would be leaving the brightestyoung dentist behind in Chicago. To our surpise and relief we actual-ly found the best young dentist in the state. We have had numerousprocedures done from teeth implants to root canals and all this doneflawless and painless. We always feel that we are in good hands andreceiving the best professional care possible.”

- Ray & Mary K

“After bad dental experiences as a child, I had avoided regular dental visits.My wife saw and advertisement for Hughes Dental Arts Centre that offered IVsedation. She knew I wanted dental work done, but was very apprehensive.She called and explained my fears and reservations, asking if they could treat apatient like me. Next thing I know, I had an appointment set up! My initialvisit couldn’t have been better. I was treated with complete understanding andrespect by Dr. Hughes and his staff. There was even a little humor at times! Dr.Hughes developed a plan for my treatment and I am actually excited about thenext step. Thank you Dr. Hughes and staff for everything.”

-Ross W.

Dr. Christopher Hughes is a credentialed member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is the ONLY general dentist in Southern Illinois providing IV conscious sedation and also the ONLY Southern Illinois dentist to surgically place and restore dental implants. This makes implant dentistry more convenient and consistent for you!

Here are a couple comments we received recently from our patients:

www.hughesdentalarts.com

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, September 19, 2010 Page 1133

HOW-TO GUIDE

It hasn't always been that people havehad a choice as to who cleans, x-rays,and rebuilds their teeth. The world ofdentistry has improved by leaps andbounds in the past few decades, and nowyour dentist is a friend and ally for youand your gorgeous smile.

Choosing a dentist who is right for youshould be based on more than just aquick glance in the phone book. A goodplace to start on your hunt for a qualitydentist is location.

Accessibility is very important whensearching for a person you will be seeing(hopefully!) on a semi-annual basis. It isa good idea to look for a dentist who islocated in close proximity to your homeor office and that you feel comfortablecommuting to their office. In addition tolocation, their hours of operation mustfit in with your schedule. Many officesnow offer early morning or lateafternoon/evening appointments.

Nowadays, you can judge a lot about acompany by their Web site, so scour theInternet for a dentist that has a well puttogether and informative Web page fortheir practice. A well put together Website shows that the dentist is committedto their patients. It can also give youvaluable insight to what their practiceoffers and if it will potentially be a goodfit for you.

Important things to note while readinga dentist's Web page include the officehours, and any specialized training orcredentials the doctor has received.

The specifics for finding the rightdentist to suit your special dental healthneeds will vary from patient to patientand should be addressed individuallywith your dentist prior to your firstappointment. Professionalism is a toppriority to a quality dentist. Don't beafraid to ask about their policies andprocedures concerning patients withphobias or other dental difficulties.

Many will offer a free consultation priorto your first appointment.

Whatever the situation with yourteeth, make sure your potential dentistgraduated with a dental degree from areputable school, carries up to datedental insurance, and keeps up with thelatest trends and technologies in dentalcare. A superior dentist continues theireducation the entire time they arepracticing to be sure that they areproviding their patients with the cuttingedge in dental care.

Once you have narrowed down yoursearch to a few top candidates, get readyto ask questions about payment andfinancial policies.

If you have dental insurance, your firstpriority should be to check to see if yourpotential dentist accepts your plan. Ifyou do not have dental insurance, lookinto what kind of payment plans areoffered by the business. In a similarmanner, different dental offices handledental insurance issues in various ways.

The first appointment with a newdentist should be a trial run. Personalityis a huge contender in who you end upsaying "aaah" for, so if you don't feelcomfortable after the first appointment,start looking for someone else. Part of adentist’s job is to put the patient at easeand calm any fear they may have aboutthe upcoming procedure.

This includes the staff at the office aswell, from the dental hygienists to theadministrative assistances. Yourdentist's office should be a place whereyou feel safe and well taken care of, sodon't underestimate the importance offriendly and helpful service across theboard.

Don't sell your pearly whites short.Choose a dentist who makes you smiletoday.

How To Choose a Dentist

HOW-TO GUIDE

Page 1144 Sunday, September 19, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

It's not uncommon for aperson to spend a lot of timeresearching and looking for theright doctor or medicalprofessional. Choosing theright pharmacist is equallyimportant for a number ofreasons.

Although a pharmacistcannot diagnose a medicalcondition, they can explain howcertain medications will affectan individual. It is a good ideato take the time to find theperfect pharmacy that best fitsyour individual needs.

When deciding upon apharmacist, here are somespecific things to look for thatmay help make your decisioneasier:

LLOOCCAATTIIOONN,, HHOOUURRSSOne of the first things to

factor in when choosing apharmacist is the location andhours of the pharmacy. Youdon't want it to be inconvenientor seem like a chore whenneeding to use a pharmacy.

By picking a pharmacy that islocated in close proximity toeither your home or place ofwork it will be easy to find timeto stop buy and pick up anymedication you may need. Besure that the hours of operationfit into your schedule or youmay have a hard time finding achance to get yourprescriptions.

Does the pharmacy offerprescription delivery, anecessity for shut-ins, or adrive up window forconvenience to the customerwith small children? “When weremodeled our store a coupleyears ago, we added a drive-thru to allow doing business

with us to be more convenient”,said David Mattingly, owner ofHerrin Drug.

If you have a number ofavailable pharmacies in closeproximity, then you may wantto ask friends or familymembers if they have anyrecommendations. You mayeven want to consider asking

your doctor if he or she has apharmacist that they wouldrecommend. Goodrecommendations can go a longway when looking for the rightpharmacist for your medicineneeds. “Between myself and our3 pharmacy technicians, wehave a combined 65 years ofexperience to offer our

customers”, Mattingly said.

DDRRUUGG EEFFFFEECCTTSSTrusting a pharmacist with

all of your prescriptions is veryimportant as well. Some peoplehave a number of differentpharmacies in which they use,which is not really the best idea.

By using the same pharmacy

for everything, the pharmacistwill know each and every drugthat you are using, and whetheror not combining certain drugswill have adverse effects. “Thiscan prevent duplications whichcould lend to overmedication ordetect interactions that couldoccur”, Mattingly said.

You should feel comfortableenough with your pharmacist tobe willing to ask questionsabout your medications andprescriptions. Somepharmacies allow one-on-oneconsultations with thepharmacists, while others maynot offer such private options.If privacy is a factor for you,you will want to keep that inconsideration.

”The goal is to know whatyour medication is for, how totake it and possible side effectsthat may occur. Knowledge ispower from the patient’sperspective”, Mattingly said.

VVAACCCCIINNAATTIIOONNSSOther factors to consider that

may or may not be beneficial toyou personally are whether ornot the pharmacy you chooseoffers seasonal vaccinations likethe flu shot. “We offer fluvaccinations as a service to ourcustomers in an effort toalleviate multiple trips forthem” Mattingly added.

Finding a pharmacist you cantrust with all of yourprescription needs is just asimportant as finding a gooddoctor. By using these tips youshould be well on your way tofinding the perfect pharmacistfor all of your pharmacy needs.

How To Choose aPharmacist

HOW-TO GUIDE


When you become sick orinjured, choosing the righthospital is an importantdecision.

The standard of care at manyhospitals is relatively similar,but there are some hospitalsthat are better than others forvarious reasons. These reasonsneed to be examined whendeciding which hospital is theright one for you.

The location of the hospital isone of the most importantfactors to consider whenidentifying which hospital isright. The reason for this isclear: in times of emergency,the closest hospital is the onlyanswer. Some people live incities that only have onehospital that is located nearby,and to visit another meanstraveling to get there.

Many people wish to betreated at a location that isclose to where they live for the

purposes of family and travel. Ifthere is time to choose, ahospital that is not close tohome but that offers specialtyservices may be the betterchoice. This is the reason youmust be informed of theservices the hospitals in yourarea offer.

Many people choose ahospital based on where theirdoctor has privileges. Somedoctors will refer patients to aparticular hospital because theyare well known at that locationand they are able to performsurgery or see patients there.“Most physicians in southernIllinois have privileges at most,if not all, of Southern IllinoisHealthcare’s hospitals”, saidCheryl Benn, Director ofCorporate Communications forSouthern Illinois Healthcare.

Most insurance plans coverthe cost of preferred providers,and hospitals fall into thiscategory. You may pay more to

receive care at a hospital that isnot listed with your insurancecompany than to go to one thatis preferred. It is veryimportant that you know whichhospitals accept the insurancesyou are covered by.

If your choice of hospital isnot based on location orinsurance, consider otheroptions that a hospital mayhave to offer. Many hospitalsoffer accreditation with theJoint Commission, which is anorganization that implementsstandards of care within certainfacilities.

If the Joint Commissionaccredits a hospital, they will befollowing certain levels ofquality in areas that range fromnursing care practice to storageorganization. Hospitals that areaccredited by the JointCommission are subject tofrequent evaluations of theirstandards, and continuouslykeep these standards updated.

Consider hospitals that havewon awards or have receivedcertification in areas of qualityand consistency.

Depending on whatprocedure needs to be done,choosing a hospital thatspecializes in particular areas ofsurgery or medical care may benecessary. “With 3 hospitalsservicing southern Illinois,patients not only have optionson where to go, but have mostof the specialty care available tothem right here at home”, Bennsaid.

Many hospitals care for allkinds of patients that comethrough their doors, but haveseveral areas of specialty care.For example, two hospitals inthe same city may offerservices, but one specializes ingastroenterology, while anotherhas an advanced cardiac unit.

The hospitals may eventransfer patients between

locations to ensure the bestcare. Depending on the level ofcare and particular illness orinjury, the choice of hospitalmay go to the one with thespecialty unit.

Choosing a hospital is animportant process to ensure thebest outcome for care of illnessor injury. Hospitals offerdifferent services and levels ofassistance, and there are severalfactors to be considered whenmaking a choice. You mustmake sure the hospital youchoose is going to be able tooffer you the level of care yourequire.

Determining whatopportunities are available andwhat is most important iscrucial in making a decision ofwhere to go for care.

How To Choose a Hospital

HOW-TO GUIDE


Buying a home is one of thebiggest investments you willever make. It requires a teamapproach among the buyer,seller, real estate agent and thelender. Here are some keypoints to consider whenchoosing a mortgage lender.

PPRREE--QQUUAALLIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN

Before you start househunting it is wise to determineyour price range. This can bedone through the simpleprocess of pre-qualification. Tobecome pre-qualified, amortgage lending specialistshould use the financialinformation you provide toestimate the maximummortgage you should be able toobtain. The process doesn’tguarantee that your mortgageapplication will be accepted,but it does help you narrowyour search to homes you canafford. It can also strengthenyour bargaining position withsellers when you beginnegotiations on the home ofyour choice. Rely on a lenderthat offers pre-qualificationquickly and for free.

EEXXPPEERRTTIISSEE

You will want to speak with amortgage lending specialist, notjust bank staff. Mortgagelending can be a confusingprocess without an experiencedlending professional to helpguide you every step of the way.They should ask questions andtake the time to listen to youranswers concerning your

overall financial picture. Seek alender with the desire to makethe process as simple and easyfor you as possible.

CCOONNVVEENNIIEENNCCEE

It’s important to be able to sitdown and speak with yourlending professional face to faceif you prefer. Choose a lenderwith a variety of branches thatare convenient to you.

DDEECCIISSIIOONN MMAAKKIINNGG

You’re a neighbor, not a

number. The decision-makingpower of many mortgagelenders lies in corporate officesmany miles or even states away.Seek a lender that understandsthe importance of a localcommitment to the communitythey serve and the ability tomake decisions locally.

LLOOAANN OOPPTTIIOONNSS

Most lenders offer differenthome financing options.However, a good lender willoffer a dedicated, professionalstaff to find what best suits

your individual circumstances.There are many loan typesavailable from VA, FHA, RuralDevelopment, conventional,construction and lot loans. Seeka lender who offers them all toensure you get the loan that fitsyour unique needs best.

RRUURRAALL DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT

If you’re seeking a home insouthern Illinois, ask if yourlender offers 100% financingwith a government-guaranteedRural Development loan. Nearlyevery home in southern Illinois

qualifies. Benefits include nomortgage insurance, noreserves, no limit oncontributions or a gift andmuch more, but not all lendershave access to this valuable loanopportunity. Be sure to ask!

CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIVVEE RRAATTEESS

Lenders can continuouslymonitor interest rates and alertyou when opportunities arise toimprove your situation, but notall will. Rely on a lender thatoffers a sound source offinancial information and canact as a trusted advisor today,tomorrow and through theyears as your financial needschange.

PPRROOVVEENN TTRRAACCKKRREECCOORRDD

New is great, but not whenyou’re seeking the long-termcommitment of a home loan.Ask how many years a lenderhas been serving thecommunity. It is possible tofind a local lender with 50 ormore years of reliable history inserving your community.Choose that lender.

Everyone deserves to own ahome. Finding the rightmortgage lender to help youaccomplish that goal isimportant. If a lender meets thekey points discussed here, youcan feel comfortable that theyare a sound choice – one thatwill exceed your expectationsfrom start to finish.

How To Choose aMortgage Lender

HOW-TO GUIDE


In the summer, there isnothing more important thangood air conditioning. In thewinter, nothing is moreimportant than efficientheating. At least, that's how itfeels.

The key to getting greatheating and air conditioningservice is finding the rightHVAC company. An HVACcompany is like a spouse. Agood one is helpful, reliable,and there for you in your timesof need. A bad one will cost youa lot of money, cause you manyheadaches, and put you inuncomfortable situations.

The place to start whenlooking for that great HVACcompany is with word ofmouth. Ask your family andfriends who they've had goodexperience using. If you hear aname more than once, that's agood sign. Be sure to let thecompany know that they wererecommended by people closeto you. This will let them knowthat they better do a good job ortheir other customers will hearabout it and maybe considertaking their business to anothercompany.

Jim Weihl, owner of RSPHeating and Cooling, says hiscompany relies strongly onreferrals. “Over 80% of theclients we serve called usbecause they were referred by afriend or family member. Whenyou provide great customerservice people share thatexperience with others. Ourclients are actually rewarded for

referrals. If they recommendRSP to someone who purchasesa new heating and coolingsystem, we send them $100 asour way of saying thank you.”

As with researching any sortof company, you'll want tocheck with the Better BusinessBureau. While you're at it, besure to check with your state'sboard of contractors. You canalso check the local mechanicalinspection office to be reallythorough. You want to makesure any company you use isreputable, as someunfortunately aren't.

Ask the tough questions.What are their prices? What aretheir usual turnaround times?What manufacturers do theyuse?

Jim adds that shoppersshould be cautious when acontractor’s bid is very low incomparison to other bids.“This usually indicates that thequote is based on low-end,low-efficiency equipment. Aninstallation of cheap, inefficientequipment will only end upcosting a home owner more inthe long run due to utility costsand breakdowns. Clients whoinvest in a quality brand with ahigh efficiency rating areusually able to save enough inutility costs to off-set themonthly payment on their newHVAC system.”

Also be sure to ask if thecompany offers a maintenanceprogram after the newequipment is installed.According to Weihl, “annual

maintenance for your furnaceand air conditioner is much likean oil change for your car. Youwould never let your car go over3000 miles without an oilchange. Maintenance for yourheating and cooling systemkeeps your system operatingsafely and efficiently and helpsprevent unexpectedbreakdowns.”

You'll also want to ask if thecompany has insurance and isbonded for accidents that aresure to occur from time to time.This will save you from havingto file a claim on yourhomeowners insurance, shouldany mishaps occur and causedamage to your valuableproperty during theinstallation.

If an HVAC company is aquality business, they willprobably have membership in areputable professionalorganization. Some prevalentorganizations are the AmericanSociety of MechanicalEngineers, the Air-Conditioning and RefrigerationInstitute, and the AmericanSociety of Heating,Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. If thecompany you're consideringbelongs to an organization likeone of these, it shows that theyreally know their business.

Lisa Gentz, ComfortConsultant for RSP,recommends always choosing acompany with N.A.T.E.certified technicians. “N.A.T.E.(North American Technician

Excellence) provides testing forspecialized areas of the HVACindustry. Technicians like ours,who have successfully passedthe NATE certification processare proven to have acommitment to on-goingtraining and the knowledge toget the job done right the firsttime.”

It's also very important to askif the company has an after-hours on-call service. Mostcompanies offer something likethis, but it's definitelysomething you should be sureto check out. A summerweekend with a broken air-conditioner can last a very longtime.

Be sure to check whether theyget the proper permits. This cansave you a lot of headaches.Something else that can saveyou from those excruciatingaches of the noggin is a loadcalculation.

It's a good idea for thecompany you're considering toperform a load calculationbefore installing any newsystems in your building. Thereare HVAC companies thatsimply use a rule of thumb tosize the necessary equipmentand even companies that justinstall the same size ofequipment as the lastequipment you had installed.These methods can causeunnecessary problems for you.You don't know if a loadcalculation was ever done whenthe first system was installed,and the building has probably

changed since then, anyway.According to Lisa,

“equipment that is not sizedproperly is the cause of most ofthe comfort and air qualityissues that people experience intheir homes. We perform a loadcalculation to go along with allof our proposals. We want toperform a room-by-roomanalysis so we can delivercomfort to the entire home. Byproviding our clients with aload calculation we are also ableto save them $120 on their newsystem through the AmerenActOnEnergy program.”

A system that's too big willcause big problems and beinefficient, and a system that'stoo small won't ever be able tosatisfy the larger load. Whenyou have the system thatperfectly fits your needs, youwill save money and be muchhappier.

Jim Weihl adds that “becausewe perform a load calculationfor our installations, RSP is ableto provide our clients with a100% money-back guaranteethat their system will heat andcool their homes properly”.

Follow this advice and you'llfind a HVAC company that willsave you some money and leaveyou satisfied with their work.

How To Choose an HVAC Company

HOW-TO GUIDE


To look younger, the mostobvious thing to do would be toquit doing those things thatmake you look older. Aging is avery complicated naturalprocess that is often acceleratedby our own poor choices. Ofthese, tobacco abuse and sundamage are the most serious.

Even without these badhabits, our skin will age. It’sjust what happens. So, what todo about it?

According to Dr. TomCritchlow of The Vein &Esthetic Centre, the key is toindividualize treatments.“There are so many newtechniques and procedures andpromises today, the difficulty ispicking the ones that actuallywork and are right for your skinand budget.”

Some of the least invasiveoptions are:

Botox®: When we smile, themuscles around the eyecontract and wrinkle the skin.Over time, the wrinkles on theoutside of the eyes can becomefixed, just like the wrinklesbetween your eyes or foreheadwhen you frown or squint.Botox® is a substance, whichwhen injected into the musclesof expression causes atemporary paralysis of thesemuscles and allows the skin toflatten out. The effect of theinjection of Botox® lasts about3-4 months, but can often belengthened when injected on a

regular timely schedule.

Fillers are substances that areinjected into the skin to providebulk. Some lines just need to be

filled in or smoothed out. Theyare often used to smooth outnasal labial lines (those linesfrom the outside of the nose tothe outside of the mouth). Theycan be used to inject smallerlines or used to bulk up the lips.

There are numerous kinds offillers available that havedifferent thickness for differentareas and which last fordifferent amounts of time

(usually around 1 year) and havedifferent shelf lives, which isthe time a filler lasts once it hasbeen opened and maybe onlypartially used. To best optimizeyour results with fillers, consultyour physician about whichones might be right for you.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is atechnique used to cleanse theskin of abnormal pigment,decrease pore size and help

with fine wrinkles. It iscurrently the treatment ofchoice for rosacea and can alsobe used as well as a laser to treatspider veins on the face.

Fraxel™ Laser Resurfacinghas been called the most

revolutionary procedure sinceBotox. It is primarily used forskin resurfacing. Prior to thistechnology, all skin resurfacingused various modalities(severechemicals, severemicrodermabrasion or ablativelasers) to remove the out layerof skin and to allow new skin togrow back. The more outer skinthat is removed, the more newskin that will grow back, butthe higher the risk ofcomplications such as pigmentproblems, infection and alonger downtime. Its sort of likescraping all of the grass fromyour lawn and waiting till newgrass grows back from theroots. Fraxel™ technologyrelies on lasering millions ofmicro cores of tissue withnormal skin in between. Thisnormal skin between the coresallows the skin to heal within aday, almost eliminatingcomplications and downtime.Its kind of like plugging yourlawn. Fraxel™ is used for mildto moderate wrinkles, pigmentchanges, pore size, sun damage,stretch marks and acnescarring.

Liposuction is a techniqueused for body contouring. It cantake inches from your waist,hips, thighs, arms and takeyears off your looks.

There are many new non-invasive options for turningback the clock. Talk to yourphysician about what mightwork for you.

How To Look 10 Years Younger


Tom Critchlow, M.D.10419 Fleming Rd. • Carterville, IL

www.veincntr.comTOLL FREE: 1-888-835-VEIN

• Botox® • Fillers • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) • Fraxel laser Resurfacing

• Liposuction • Fotofacials • Tattoo Removal

• Latisse • Chemical Peels • Permanent Hair Removal

Providing outpatient esthetic

procedures since 1984


HOW-TO GUIDE

If you want to start a businessbut don't know where to start,don't worry--you are not alone.In fact, given the new economicreality of our time, more peoplethan ever before have found the"job" they thought was waitingfor them doesn't exist. Othershave come to the conclusionthat they would rather creatework they love, constructed tofit with their own life goals. Nomatter what the motivation isto be your own boss, you canstart today.

Here are 7 Tips to Get YouStarted:

1. Take a Stand for Yourself.If you are dissatisfied with

your current circumstances,take action. It doesn't do anygood to blame the economy,your boss, your spouse or yourfamily. Change can only occurwhen you make a consciousdecision to make it happen.

2. Identify the Right Businessfor You.

Give yourself permission toexplore. Be willing to look atdifferent facets of yourself andlisten to your intuition. We tendto ignore intuition even thoughdeep down we often know thetruth. Ask yourself "What givesme energy even when I'mtired?"

How do you know whatbusiness is "right" for you?There are three commonapproaches toentrepreneurship, all entailingsome self reflection. You maydecide to do something youknow how to do well afterworking for others. Perhaps

you think you could do the jobbetter if you were your ownboss. Another approach is totry a new venture that interestsyou and immerse yourself inthat area. Lastly, you may see abusiness void in your area thatyou feel is needed.

3.Business Planning ImprovesYour Chances for Success.

A business plan will help yougain clarity, focus andconfidence. According to EmilyCarter, Director ofEntrepreneurship at SIUC, “Tolaunch a new business it isimperative that you puttogether a solid business plan.Not doing so would be likebuilding a house without ablueprint.” As you write downyour goals, strategies and actionsteps, your business becomesreal.

Ask yourself what I am Itrying to achieve with mybusiness and how much of themarketplace can use what I

offer. You must also have clearaction steps and timetablebenchmarks to measure thesuccess of your business.

4. Know Your TargetAudience Before You Spend aPenny.

Before you spend money, findout if people will actually buyyour products or services. Thismay be the most importantthing you do. You can do this byvalidating your market. In otherwords, who, exactly, will buyyour products or services? (Anddon't say. "Everyone in Americawill want my product." Trustme--they won't.) What is thesize of your target market? Whoare your customers? Is yourproduct or service relevant totheir everyday life? Why dothey need it?

5. Understand Your PersonalFinances and Choose the RightKind of Money You Need forYour Business.

As an entrepreneur, yourpersonal life and business lifeare interconnected. You arelikely to be your first--andpossibly only--investor.Therefore, having a detailedunderstanding of your personalfinances, and the ability to trackthem, is an essential first stepbefore seeking outside fundingfor your business.

As you are creating yourbusiness plan, you will need toconsider what type of businessyou are building--a lifestylebusiness, a franchise, or a high-tech business. Depending onwhere you fall on thecontinuum, you will need adifferent amount of capital tolaunch and grow your business.Carter also advises, “Inapproaching bankers orinvestors, make sure you canclearly articulate how muchcapital you need and exactlywhat you plan to purchase withloan or investment dollars.”

6. Build a Support Network.You've made the internal

commitment to your business.Now you need to cultivate anetwork of supporters,advisors, partners, allies andvendors. If you believe in yourbusiness, others will, too.Network locally, nationally &via social networks. Joinnetworks like linkedin.com,your local chamber ofcommerce, or other relevantbusiness groups or tradeassociations.

7. Get the Word Out.Be willing to say who you are

and what you do withconviction and withoutapology. Embrace and use themost effective online tools(Twitter, Facebook, YouTube)available to broadcast yournews. Even though socialnetworks are essential today,don't underestimate the powerof other methods to get theword out, like word-of-mouthmarketing, website and onlinemarketing, local newspaper,radio or television.

If you take these steps, you'llbe well on your way tobecoming your own boss. It'simportant to remember thatyou are not alone. If you wantto "be your own boss" but youstill feel stuck, reach out andconnect with otherentrepreneurs in a variety ofways. Also take advantage ofthe free resources available toyou right here in the region.You may be surprised by theinvaluable contacts that areright at your fingertips.

How To Start Your OwnBusiness


HOW-TO GUIDE

Replacing carpet candramatically change the lookand feel of a room. It is a bigdecision -- carpet covers largeareas and is noticeable. Buyingcarpet can also cost asignificant amount of money,so finding the right place to buyis essential.

How do you choose a carpetstore? There are severalguidelines to follow when it istime to make a purchase.

There are a variety of storesthat sell carpet. Some are thewarehouse type, with everycolor and fiber available in theregion. Other stores are smallbusinesses that may not haveeverything in stock, but theyconcentrate on service. Stillother home improvement storeshave added carpet as adepartment in their largeselection of home necessities.Choosing between any of thesestores is the decision of theconsumer, as each type of storewill offer different services.

WWAARREEHHOOUUSSEE SSTTOORREESSThe large, warehouse carpet

stores are known to have largequantities of carpet available. Asalesperson can offer carpetswatches from the warehouse tochoose from their selection.

These stores are more for thedo it yourself type, who preferpicking up and installing theirown carpet.

Some of the disadvantages ofthese stores are the volume ofwork that is done: the

salesperson may have an in-depth knowledge of carpetfibers and stain resistance, butonce you make the purchase,they may not remember youfrom the next customer. Sincebuying carpet can be expensive,it is important to rememberyour salesperson and to beremembered.

SSMMAALLLL BBUUSSIINNEESSSSEESSSome carpet stores are

smaller businesses that focuson providing quality service.Many of these stores have beenin business for generations, orare a family-run business.These stores can offer excellentservice, and they take the timeto sit down with customers toanswer their every question.

They may offer servicediscounts in order to keepcustomers coming back formore business. These smallerstores do not always have thelargest selection of carpet

available onsite. Carpetsamples may be accessibleduring the sales process, butthe actual carpet desired mayneed to be ordered. This cantake time, but that's OKbecause you want to make sureyou find the perfect match foryour home. We have awonderful team of personnel onstaff to help you chose the rightcolor ant type of product foryour needs.

A smaller locally ownedretailer will make sure theprocess goes smoothly. “Wetake pride in our commitmentand involvement with eachcustomer. We will be with youthrough every decision. Followthat up with a lifetime laborwarranty and you can’t gowrong” said Keith Stokes ofDistinctive Flooring inMurphysboro.

HHOOMMEE AANNDD GGAARRDDEENN SSTTOORREESS

Other types of stores that sellcarpet are the larger home andgarden stores. Because of thesize of the store and the factthat it may be part of a chain,may be good, but their serviceisn't always the best.

These stores may offerfinancing for good credit. Theytypically have many types ofcarpet available on site, or itcan be ordered from a nearbysupplier.

The potential disadvantagesof buying from these stores arethe service and installation.Some employees working atthese stores work in severaldepartments, and they may notbe able to give you consistentinformation or quality service.

IINN CCOONNCCLLUUSSIIOONNBuying carpet is an important

venture, as it can change thelook and feel of a house.Shoppers should look for salesand determine what is

important to them whilebuying. Deciding what reallymatters while purchasingcarpet is the key to finding theright carpet store. Stokes said“We pride ourselves onproviding good, qualityproducts at affordable priceswith great personal service.”

Being partners with MohawkFlooring, provides us withgreater buying power, higherquality products and excellentwarranties. This allows us tooffer affordable prices and apeace of mind to our customers,knowing their product isbacked by a warranty.

Along with personalservice, we are the only flooringstore to back our installation ofyour flooring for the life of theproduct. Some stores mayclaim to have the highestquality installers, but onlyDistinctive Flooring backs upour claim by offering a LifetimeLabor Warranty.

How To Choose a Carpet Store

HOW-TO GUIDE


Jewelry made with preciousgemstones and metals can bevery valuable and becomefamily heirlooms. Shopping forjewelry can be a very difficulttask. You need to choose ajewelry store based onnumerous factors. Thefollowing are some tips to assistyou in making your decision.

First: Choose a professionaljeweler. This store should havea knowledgeable, educated, andtrained staff to help you makean informed purchase or repair.Look for credentials orcertificates that indicateexperience.

Second: Professional jewelrystores should be members ofJewelry Associations, theChamber of Commerce, and berated well by the BetterBusiness Bureau. They shouldbe located in a safe, convenientlocation. The jewelry storeshould also be insured for lossor theft of both their inventoryand their customer’s jewelrywhile the jewelry is in theirpossession.

Third: Find out how long theyhave been in business. Are theya locally owned independentstore or are they part of a chainof stores? In most cases a storethat has been around fornumerous years and has a goodreputation would be a goodchoice.

Fourth: Who has a goodreputation in your area? Askfriends or relatives forrecommendations. Choose yourjeweler like you would chooseyour friends or your doctor. Agood jeweler will have your best

interest at heart, not just tomake a sale, but to service allyour jewelry needs both todayand tomorrow.

Fifth: Service to the customeris another important factor inchoosing a jewelry store. Youshould be treated courteouslyand with a smile when you walkin the door. Are there anyjewelers on staff that can adviseyou on repairs or remounts? Arerepairs done in their store or isyour jewelry sent outsomewhere else? The staffshould be well trained andeducated to provide you with allthe information you need tomake an informed decision.

Sixth: They should have agood selection of quality madejewelry with various preciousmetals and gemstones. Jewelrystores should have a guaranteeon both merchandise andservice. Don’t forget to askabout the trade-in, return andexchange policies.

Seventh: Don’t be “dazzled”by discounts. Stay away formstores that advertise greatsavings and discounts. Savvyshoppers will usually find thatthese “drastic discounts” areactually the normal sellingprices elsewhere. All they havedone is raise the price so theycan then mark the price down.

Eighth and final: You mustfeel comfortable and confidentwith the jewelry store andemployees you are doingbusiness with. You shouldreceive quality jewelry, at a fairprice, with honest, dependableservice you can count on.

How To Choose a Jewelry Store


“More Than Just A Jewelry Store”Rt. 13, Carterville • 985-8331

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4

YYoouurr JJeewweelleerr

• Diamonds/Gemstones• Gold/Silver/Platinum• Estate Consignment• Custom Jewelry and

Remounts• Gifts and Engraveables• Clocks & Watches

* Quality* Trust

* Service

Ask a friend who they trust!

2 Full Time Jewelerson Duty Everyday

All jewelry merchandise, gifts

and repairs are guaranteed!

Rob, Kelli, Laura, Tiffany, Mike, NathanOver 65 Years of Combined Experience

Members of:• Illinois Jewelers Assoc.• Jewelers of America• Retail Jewelers Assoc.• Jewelers Security Alliance• Jewelers Mutual Insurance• Carterville Chamber of

Commerce

WWe Bue BuyyGold!Gold!

WWe Bue BuyyGold!Gold!

Serving Southern Illinois for over 20 years

We do have exchange and return policies

HOW-TO GUIDE


Whether you are a veteranboater or a first-timer, buying aboat is a major decision that issimilar to buying a car in manyways. This means that you willwant to begin by locating areputable dealer and decidingwhich boat is right for you.

If you are in the market for aboat that is brand new, youneed to be sure you pick theright accessories. Buying a usedboat has its own pitfalls, too,and taking this step definitelycalls for a certain amount ofcaution.

The following steps shouldhelp ensure that you willsucceed in working with a goodboat dealer:

-- Do some research beforeyou go to any dealer. Visit somemanufacturers’ Web sites andowners’ forums, where you canfind out what owning the typeof boat that interests youentails. You may even gathersome information aboutsomeone’s experience whenworking with a certain dealer.

-- Think about where youplan to go boating, and look fora dealership in that area whowill offer you outstandingservice and has customersatisfaction as a top priority.

-- Decide on the kind of boatyou want before you visit adealer so that the decision willbe yours alone, and be certainthat you have some way totransport or berth the craftonce you have made yourselection. Since safety will be amajor concern, you should alsobe aware that an NMMA-certified boat is built to the

standards established by theAmerican Boat and YachtCouncil (ABYC) and also meetsthe U.S. Coast Guardregulations that apply.

-- When you visit thedealership, make sure you haveall of your questions answered,especially if you are buying aused boat.

--Look at the dealership athow clean the store and how theclean the boats are kept, this isa sign that they care about therebusiness

--ask about the servicedepartment are the technician'scertified with the brand ofmotors sold and are their

certifications kept up to date,are there enough technicians totake care of all service needs.

-Can the dealership offer youa large option of accessories atgood pricing and do they offerinstallation?

--make sure the dealer goesover the boat operations andmotor operations with you, askquestions till YOU feelcomfortable about it.

If you are a beginner when itcomes to boating, take anexperienced friend along with alist of the inspection points thatyou want to check out.

How To Choose a Boat Dealer


15993 Cambria Rd. Hurst, IL618-987-2661 or 618-987-2030

[email protected] • www.harrisonssportshop.com

Find the Boat that Meets Your Lifestyle!

Now scheduling winterizing appointments • Shrinkwrap and indoor/outdoor storage available

Whether you’re a sport fisher or want a leisure boat, we have a variety to suit your needs!

2222000011111111 ’’’’ssssNNNNoooowwww

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HOW-TO GUIDE


In any marketplace, there aremany hardware stores to choosefrom. Which one you choosewill largely depend upon yourown individual needs. Here area few things to keep in mindwhen making this decision.

SSEELLEECCTTIIOONNAn important factor to

consider when choosing yourhardware store is their selectionof goods. Sometimes ahardware store will specialize ina certain area of home repair,such as tools, while anothermay specialize in paints. Stillanother might have a wideselection, but won't have thedepth of choices that aspecialized store might have ina particular department. “Ourassociation with Do It Bestgives us access to over 40,000products, some of which wecarry in our store, but all ofwhich we can order and have toyou in a matter of days”, saidKen Smith, owner of South SideLumber.

EEXXPPEERRTTIISSEE OOFF TTHHEE SSTTAAFFFFOften times, we aren't quite

sure which tool would be thebest for the job we are planning.In these cases, it can bewonderful to get arecommendation from time totime from the owner of thestore. This is often anadvantage of frequenting asmaller store rather than anationwide chain. “We have

employees that have worked forus for as many as 25 years andare very knowledgeable in allaspects of what we offer”, Smithsaid.

Although the nationwidechain may have a huge storewith a wide selection, they areoften staffed by young people.The owner of a small hardwareshop, on the other hand, is

likely in this business becausehe loves it and knows themarket climate very well.

CCUUSSTTOOMMEERR SSEERRVVIICCEEFor many people, this is the

most important factor inchoosing any business, and ahardware store is no different.How does the staff treat youwhen you come to the store?

Are they happy to see you, or dothey act as if they are doing youa favor by helping you? “Wepride ourselves on providing ahigh level of customer serviceto all customers and make surethey go home 100% satisfiedwith their purchase”, Smithsaid.

It is important to develop arelationship with a hardware

store that you can trust. Whenyou ask the staff for help, youwant to feel like they reallylisten to your problem and offeryou the best solution that theycan think of. This is somethingyou can only determine aftervisiting a store a few times foryourself.

PPRRIICCEESSPrice is also an important

consideration. You may notthink that paying $1.50 for afew screws instead of $1 is a bigdeal, but if you do a lot ofprojects around the home, thiscan really add up. Another wayto make sure you're savingmoney is to look out for ads orcoupons to see if any of thelocal stores are having a sale.This can be a great excuse to trya new store. “Our products arecompetitive with any found insouthern Illinois and we standby our brands as the best youcan find in the industry”, Smithstated.

Choosing a hardware store tofrequent may not seem like animportant decision. However, ifyou take the time to carefullyconsider your options, you'llfind that you can greatlyimprove your hardwareshopping experience.

How To Choose a HomeImprovement Center


Hours:Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm •

Sat. 7 am- 12 pm

Countertops Starting At

$14 PerL.Ft.

• A Full Line ofKitchen Products

• Full Custom Capability• Field Measuring

• 20/20 Computer Design

Cabinets Starting At

$69 PerL.Ft.

3-D Computer DesignDesign StaffingFree Measuring

Welcome to South Side Lumber.We are Cecily and Elliott Smith and we’d like to share with you all that our family’s store has tooffer. Started in 1946 by our great-grandfather, boy has our business grown the past 63 years!Let’s tour the store and we’ll show you what we’ve got.

KitchenWhen your kitchen needs an

update, stop by and see the kitchenexperts Tracy and Eric. With so

many styles and designs, the onlylimitation is your imagination.

ContractorContractors have trusted us for

years to provide them the materialsthey need to complete their jobs.

With thousands of Do It Best products, plus convenient paymentoptions, it just makes good sense

to shop with us.

Custom Bath

Transform your bathroominto a place of luxury with a

custom designed bath orshower.

FlooringIf you need to update

your flooring, our flooring expert Candie

can help you. From carpet to hardwoodto vinyl in all price ranges,you’ll find the perfect look.

1300 S. Park • Herrin 942-3111

Visit us at: sslumbr.com

Architectural Design

13 Colors in Stock

$6990sq.

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HOW-TO GUIDE


Knee pain can be an excruciatingexperience when it recurs over and overagain. While pain in the knees is often aharbinger of knee surgery, sometechniques and therapeutic procedurescan relieve the pain without the need forsurgery.

Knee surgery was once the end-allmethod for many knee problems, butdoctors have come to learn that it canoften be prevented, saving a patientfrom the cost, long recovery periods,and the possibility of furthercomplications.

RREEDDUUCCIINNGG AANNDD EELLIIMMIINNAATTIINNGG PPAAIINN

The first step in avoiding knee surgeryis reducing or eliminating pain. This isusually done through forms of exerciseand physical therapy.

The first thing to do once knee painsets in is the stop any rigorous exerciseor athletic training. Give it a full rest fora day or two and gradually try to getback into the swing. Physical therapistsoften use the 10-percent rule. The firstweek you begin working the knee at 10percent of what you usually do, andincrease it by 10 percent each week untilyou are at 100 percent by the 10th week.

Strengthening exercises can also helpto reduce knee pain, thus eliminating theneed for knee surgery, by correctingimbalances in the musculature that mayhave led to the pain. These exercises willrestore weak muscles and createstronger muscle support for the kneeoverall. Strength training of the core willalso improve bodily stability that canprevent further damage from takingplace.

Flexibility exercises are sometimes

beneficial for painful knees, as what iscausing the pain could be a tightening ofthe muscles, tendons, and ligaments.Hamstrings and quadriceps stretches arethe most beneficial for the knees.

Specific training in skills that requirethe use of the knees in everyday life,work and leisure activities can help toeliminate pain. Specific routines can bepersonalized based on lifestyle and workthat will condition the body and theknees to move properly and inconjunction with each other. Whenrepeated often enough, the movementsbecome second-nature. Good habitsfrom the skills training eventuallyreplace the bad habits of old.

Some knee pain is caused by wearinguncomfortable or improper footwear.Shoes should always match the activity.Also, shoes should specifically fit at thetoe, on the top and around the ankle.Proper ankle support can be crucial to

maintaining healthy knees.

Alternatives to Knee SurgeryWhen knee problems seem so bad that

surgery appears to be the only solution,be sure you have tried all the alternativesbefore going under the knife. Here aresome methods to try that may help youavoid knee surgery:

EEXXEERRCCIISSEE:: Don’t let a bum knee keepyou from moving around. Inactivity isthe worst enemy of healthy knees.Movement keeps the joint lubricated,the blood flowing, and muscles strong.

LLOOSSEE WWEEIIGGHHTT:: Problem knees arefrequent for overweight individuals.Losing even 10 or 15 pounds is oftenenough to avoid knee surgery.

WWEEAARR BBRRAACCEESS:: Knee bracesprescribed by a licensed doctor can helpkeep the knee in alignment while itheals. Always get bracing done by a

professional.IINNJJEECCTTIIOONNSS:: Your doctor or

specialist may also recommendinjections that could help ease pain inyour knee.

Corticosteroids can reduceinflammation and relieve pain in somepatients. Injected corticosteroids areassociated with fewer side effectscompared to oral administration.

Hyaluronic acid is sometimesprescribed to be injected in patients withknee problems. This is a naturallubricant produced by the body that mayneed to be supplemented.

Botox injections have been found torelieve pain long enough for healing totake place without the need for surgeryin some cases.

No matter what, talk to a doctor whospecializes in knee problems to find theright solution for you.

How To Avoid Knee Surgery


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HOW-TO GUIDE

Choosing a communitycollege is an intensely personaldecision with lifelongconsequences. Picking the rightcommunity college opens doorsinto bachelor and master degreeprograms in institutions ofhigher learning and equipsstudents to advance in theirchosen careers. Attending alocal community college may bethe only option of earning adegree for students with jobsand family responsibilities.

There are several factors thatwill determine the right choiceof a community college.Prospective students shouldinvestigate each facet of thedecision making process andthen use what they find to makethe best decision for them.

The important considerationsfor choosing the rightcommunity college includecost, location, majors andscheduling.

A community collegeeducation traditionally costs alot less than its four-yearcounterpart. Two years spentstudying in a communitycollege may cost thousands ofdollars less than what a four-year university charges for thesame education. The value ofthe community college makes itaffordable for those who mightotherwise never be able to go toschool and it costs them only afraction of the price.

The availability of financialassistance is an important

factor in choosing the rightcommunity college. Localcommunities often providescholarships that encourageattendance at local colleges.Additional federal and stategrants and loans are usuallyavailable to help curtail the costof an education for studentsfrom every economicbackground.

The location of a communitycollege weighs in heavily whenstudents are choosing a school.Community colleges focus ontheir respective geographiclocations. Large cities may haveseveral community colleges tochoose from while smallercities may be limited to justone. Students can live at homeand continue to work whilepursuing a degree within a fewmiles of home.

The degree majors offeredalso dictate which communitycollege is the right one. Majorscan range from health care totechnical robotics. Mostcommunity colleges offer awide range of majors to helpfacilitate every student’s careerobjectives.

Many colleges are extremelycompetitive and provide qualityacademic expertise andinternship opportunities.Nursing curriculums, forexample, allow registerednurses to obtain an associate'sdegree in about half the time asthat of students enrolled in abachelor's program. Whenconfronted with competing

colleges offering the samemajor, look at the employmentstatistics for graduatingstudents.

Class scheduling is an

important consideration whenchoosing a community college.Community collegestraditionally draw olderstudents who are alreadyemployed in the field of study

or who wish to make a careerchange. Colleges haveresponded to the needs of thisgroup by providing flexiblescheduling. A two-yearassociate's degree may take acouple of extra years tocomplete while students signup for only a few credits at atime.

Evening classes for those withdaytime jobs or familyresponsibilities are a popularfeature and allow students toattend who otherwise wouldnot have the time to pursuestudies. Community collegesdiffer from one another inscheduling flexibility andstudents can find one thatmatches their needs.

Accelerated degree programsare another creative schedulingoption. Students spend timestudying at their convenienceinstead of spending precioushours in a classroom. The samematerial is covered but a lotmore self-directed studyingtakes place.

Studies that lead to acertificate in a specialized fieldsuch as health care or inbusiness management areattractive to those who want toadvance their careers.Sometimes a degree isn’tneeded. Many certificateprograms last for a year or lessand completely satisfy thestudent’s needs.

How To Choose aCommunity College

HOW-TO GUIDE


Physical therapy can help youfunction at your personal best.Whether your pain is in yourneck, shoulders, back, feet, oranywhere in between physicaltherapy has the ability toalleviate it. Physical therapistsare health care professionalswho exam and providetreatment to individuals whohave medical problems orhealth related conditions thatlimit mobility including theability to perform functionaland recreational activities intheir daily lives. During aphysical therapy examination,an individualized treatmentplan is developed to promotemovement, reduce pain, restorefunction, and prevent disability.Physical therapists help peopleto understand their body inorder to achieve long-termhealth benefits.

In many instances, physicaltherapists can help individualsavoid painful, invasive andexpensive surgery. Forexample, it is known thatphysical therapy along withcomprehensive medicalmanagement can be just aseffective as surgery withrelieving symptoms ofmoderate to severeosteoarthritis of the knee.

When surgery is necessaryphysical therapy is also a majorcomponent in the recoveryprocess in order to regainmovement and function.Whether surgery is required or

not, physical therapists use a“hands on” approach in orderto meet an individual’s personalneeds. A variety of treatmentsare offered including:therapeutic exercises, aquatic

therapy, functional training,electrotherapy, ultrasound,traction, light/low level lasertherapy, iontophoresis, tapingand personalized education justto name a few.

Some of the commonconditions treated by physicaltherapists in an outpatientsetting are: arthritis, back pain,neck pain, joint problems (knee,shoulder, hip, spine, elbow,wrist, ankle and jointreplacements), fractures,sprains, strains, balancedisorders, carpal tunnelsyndrome, TMJ, fractures, handinjuries, headaches,osteoporosis, weakness, workrelated injuries and sportsinjuries. Physical therapy canalso be provided in a variety ofsettings for other medicalconditions and injuries. Inaddition to providingtreatment, physical therapistscan provide other services suchas Pre/Post offer employmenttesting, Fit for duty testing, Jobsite analysis, ErgonomicConsultations, NerveConduction Studies, Fitnessprograms, Sport screening,Balance screening and Scoliosisscreening.

Physical therapists are highlytrained health care providersthat apply research and proventechniques to help restorefunction and alleviate pain.Physical therapists graduatingtoday are required to have agraduate degree (either master’sdegree or clinical doctorate)from an accredited physicaltherapist program. Allpracticing physical therapistshave passed the national andstate licensure examination

prior to practicing physicaltherapy. In Illinois, physicaltherapists and physicaltherapists assistants arerequired to attend continuingeducation prior to renewal oftheir state license every twoyears. The state board may becontacted to confirm licensingstatus of your physicaltherapist.

The American PhysicalTherapy Association (APTA) isa national professionalassociation with the goals ofpromoting physical therapypractice, research, andeducation. The APTA is also atool that consumers can use tolearn about physical therapy,conditions, view health relatedarticles and find physicaltherapist in their area that areAPTA members. Individualscan find information at theAPTA website at www.apta.orgor by phone at 800/999-APTA(2782).

Choosing the right physicaltherapist is vital to successfullyreaching your goals. It isimportant to find a physicaltherapist that has experience intreating your personalcondition in order to helprestore function, improvemobility, relieve pain andprevent further injury. Physicaltherapy care is a personalexperience, so you will want tochoose a therapist that you cantrust and are comfortable with.

How To Choose a Physical Therapist


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HOW-TO GUIDE


Recreational vehicles can be a greatway to spend time with your familywhile exploring the great outdoors — allin comfort and style.

It's important to find both the rightkind of vehicle and the right dealer,though, to make sure you're happy withthe purchase for a long time after thesale.

To choose an RV dealer, you shouldfirst know what type of RV you areshopping for. Do you want to drive theRV or tow it behind a vehicle? “We oftensee shoppers come in with the intent topurchase a camper, but then quicklyrealize they don’t have a sufficientvehicle to pull the unit”, said MarvinOetjen, owner of Kamper’s Supply inCarterville. Safety of transporting thecamper should be paramount to allbuyers.

Next consider do you want all theluxuries of home or do you want torough it a little bit? Will you use it justfor weekends or traveling fulltime?

Now let’s take a look first at how RVsare categorized:

MMOOTTOORRIIZZEEDD RRVVss A motorized RV has its own engine,

living quarters, and doesn't requiretowing. There are three categories ofmotorized RVs: Class A motor home,Class B motor home, and Class C motorhome.

Class A Motor Homes - This is the topof the line. It can have every luxury ofhome and on many models you can alsoexpand the living quarters with thetouch of a button.

Class B Motor Homes - These are alsoknown as conversion vans. These are

normally the least expensive and canalso be used for a family vehicle whennot traveling.

Class C Motor Homes - These can becalled a mini motor home, about half-way between Class A and Class B motorhomes.

TTOOWWAABBLLEE RRVVssA towable RV is designed to be pulled

by a car, van, SUV, or truck. They aresmall enough that they don't require anyspecial highway permits. Prices are quitereasonable with choices available to fitnearly any budget.

Travel Trailers - These come in avariety of sizes and can include just abedroom on wheels to all the luxuries ofClass A Motor Home without the motor.

Folding Camping Trailers - Also calledpop-up campers, these are the leastexpensive and the lightest of towable

RVs. They are easy to towand they don't take upmuch space when storing.

Fifth-wheel Trailers -These have an extension atthe front of trailer thathitches in the bed of thetowing truck. This is likelythe most expensive of thetowable RVs but it can beequipped with many of the fineamenities of a Class A motor home.

Truck Campers - These are smallcamper shells that you can slide in or outof the truck bed with ease. Space insideis limited but it would be great for one ortwo people. When the camper is not inuse, the truck can be used for dailyliving.

Now that you have an idea what typeof RV are you looking for, it's time to doyour homework. Start by getting advicefrom other RVers about their

experiences when purchasing.

Use the Internet to read RV blogs.They offer great advice and you will beable to read complaints about RVdealers. Some won't be legitimate, but ifyou see the same complaint numeroustimes about a dealer, then you'll know tostay away. Also look at Web sites fornational RV clubs and find theirrecommendations.

Next, start looking for RV dealers andwhat they have to offer. Read the reviewsof the dealerships. Narrow down a fewand visit the lots. By this time, you will

be armed with enough information tomake an offer.

Oetjen gives this advice to anyonelooking to purchase any type of RV.“Spend an adequate amount of time inthe unit you are considering and makesure it will meet your needs. See that itis well-crafted, easy to move around inand has room for what you’ll be takingon your trips.”

With the right information in hand,you're ready to start traveling in yourhome on wheels.

How To Choose an RV Dealer


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HOW-TO GUIDE


Choosing a caterer for yourspecial event is easier said thandone. The client needs to have aclear-cut budget in mind andplenty of flexibility to meet hisor her catering needs. And aquality caterer that fits the billwill have to be in synch with theclient's wants, needs and timeconstraints to ensure the eventis pulled off without a hitch.

For the best possible results,never leave the catering hire tothe last minute. You will needto speak with a few companiesto find the right caterer to meetand exceed your expectationsand provide you with qualitytime to plan your event.

The first concern for acatering client is to locate acatering business with a toprating from the healthdepartment. This governmentalgrading system ensures the foodis being handled properly andthat all the food temperatureand safety regulations havebeen met.

The catering company with agood rating will ensure thatyour food products are cooked,delivered and served to meetwith the strictest of safetystandards that every consumerdemands. So, eat, drink and bemerry from the caterer with agood grade on his door.

Next, ask your caterer whathis or her work schedule is andbe sure that you are not thefinal straw that breaks thecamel's back. Your event mustbe given the proper attention

for meal planning, food tastingand spectacular presentationthat you expect.

A caterer with a cumbersomeschedule may not be your bestchoice for your special eventthat will cost you a mint.Language like, "I can squeezeyou in" should not be in yourcaterer's vocabulary and is aclear cut signal that there maynot be sufficient time he or shecan devote to the criticalplanning stage. If the cateringcompany seems overbooked,consider walking away. You canalways keep them in mind foryour next big event and hopefor better timing.

Finding a caterer brimmingwith insight and ideas is likefinding the pot of gold at theend of the rainbow. Foodservice issues can be anunfamiliar topic with thegeneral public, and you want acaterer to come up with manysuggestions and pricing plansfor you to peruse.

Perhaps you have a centraltheme in mind for your next bigevent, and a skilled caterer mayhave just the ticket tocompliment your Hawaiiangarden party or spookyHalloween haunt. The type offood served, along with itspresentation, can make or breakyour party theme, so be sure to

hire a caterer that'son the same page asyou.

Finally, you willwant to select acaterer that has agood amount ofreferences andtestimonials frompast clients. Checkwith the cateringWeb sites forcomments andreviews to guide youto your perfectmatch. In addition,you will find pricingguidelines and menuoptions to get yourthoughts moving in

the right direction.

The best time to hire a catereris when you have the partyvenue booked or a clear idea ofthe indoor or outdoor spacingthat will be available to you.And don't forget to get the headcount.

With these factors in place,the caterer will take it fromthere and offer you a bevy ofbuffet options from self-servicetables to sit-down dinners bycandlelight. Bon appetit!

How To Choose a Caterer


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HOW-TO GUIDE


Few consumers put as mucheffort into their choice offinancial institutions as they domost other shopping decisions.However, banking services caninfluence a wide range offinancial matters. Manysignificant metrics can be usedto select a financial institutionthat services the unique needsof the individual. Keep in mindyour local credit union mayprovide the best rates, serviceand convenience overtraditional banks. Considersome of these details whenchoosing.

IINNTTEERREESSTT RRAATTEESS AANNDD FFEEEESSInterest rates determine the

true value of a financialinstitution account. While mostfinancial institutions will adjustthem based on the federal fundsrate, each facility will have aslightly different rate forsavings accounts. This directlyaffects the interest paymentsthat will be credited to youraccount. When consideringlarge deposits, small differencesin interest rates can result insignificant changes.

Banking services ofteninvolve fees and penalties forvarious transactions. Forexample, your checkingaccount might restrict thenumber of checks that you canwrite per month before facing afee. You may be required tomaintain a minimum balance.Overdraft penalties can varysignificantly between differentfinancial institutions. Eachfinancial institution has aspecific set of policies.

Compare these fees andpenalties when choosing afinancial institution. Oftentimes, your local credit union,which is member-owned, willhave the lowest fees amongst allfinancial institutions.

CCOONNVVEENNIIEENNCCEEYou will want to choose a

financial institution that hasconvenient branch locations. Ifyou travel frequently, select onethat serves areas that you visit.Taking care of financial matterson the road can be challengingwhen using a local or regionalfinancial institution.

However, a local financial

institution might serve yourinterests even better. Chooseone that is convenient to yourhome or place of employment.Most working people stop bythe financial institution on theway home from the job. Everyfinancial institution customerfaces the occasional raceagainst the clock. When youneed to deposit a check beforeyour financial institutioncloses, every second counts.Convenient locations will makeyour life much easier.

OOVVEERRDDRRAAFFTT PPRROOTTEECCTTIIOONNEach financial institution has

specific policies regardingoverdrafts. While you may tryyour best to keep your accountcurrent, the occasionaloverdraft happens to nearlyeveryone.

Overdraft protection canprovide a degree of insuranceagainst the confusingcomplications that occur whenchecks bounce. Your financialinstitution may offer a highinterest line of credit that kicksin when you bounce a check.This allows your check to clear.If you quickly pay off thebalance, the interest paymentwill be minimal.

Other financial institutionsmay charge a specific penaltyfor each overdraft. There arealso financial institutions thatdo not cover bounced checks atall. Consider the financialinstitution's overdraft policywhen making your choice.

FFIINNAANNCCIIAALL IINNSSTTIITTUUTTIIOONNSSTTAABBIILLIITTYY

This is an often overlookedelement of commercialfinancial banking. Whenputting money in a financialinstitution, it is important toconsider the solvency of theinstitution's balance sheet.Under a fractional reservefinancial banking system, fundsheld on deposit are typicallyinvested by the financialinstitution. Past financialmeltdowns inform us that astable financial institution witha clean balance sheet can bestweather the turbulence ofmarket corrections.

However, most financialinstitutions will be insured bythe Federal Deposit InsuranceCorporation or the NationalCredit Union Administrationfor up to $250,000 perdepositor. This value canchange depending on the typeand number of accounts held bythe customer. Your money willbe safe in nearly any financialinstitution. However, bankfailures can be inconvenient. Asolid financial institutionshould have limited exposure totoxic assets that risk its balancesheet.

SSEERRVVIICCEESS YYOOUU NNEEEEDDDifferent financial

institutions offer a wide rangeof services. Whether you need aloan or a checking account,choose a trustworthy financialinstitution that satisfies yourunique concerns with thelowest cost and highest rate ofreturn.

How To Choose aFinancial Institution

HOW-TO GUIDE


Surgery, hospitalization,long-term care and staggeringprescription costs are amongthe leading worries ofindividuals approachingretirement age. Effective estatemanagement also looms as aneven larger concern as yearsadvance.

Professionals experienced inthe multiple facets of elder lawhelp clients secure their rightfulbenefits and, as a consequence,enjoy better health during theirretirement years. They also canprotect the individual andfamily estate for futuregenerations.

MMEEDDIICCAARREEThe Medicare program,

provides health insurance forpeople 65 and older and to somedisabled individuals under age65. Benefits range from hospitalcare and home health servicesto doctors' fees andprescription medications.Medicare does not pay for Long–Term care. In fact, Medicarewill only pay for a short stay ina Nursing Home and smallamounts of at-home care.

Medicare was never meant tobe a Long-term option for theelderly. It is important that youcontact an Elder Law attorneythat will help you decide howyou are going to pay for Long-term care once your short termMedicare benefit runs out.

MMEEDDIICCAAIIDDMedicaid provides

government-paid medicalassistance for long term care,

but you have to qualify for thisprogram unlike Medicare.Coverage includeshospitalization, outpatientcare, nursing home care, limitedat-home care, supportive livingcare, doctors’ services, reducedprescription costs and sometypes of lab work. An elder lawspecialist can smooth theMedicaid application process.

A common misconception isthat an individual mustdispense with all or mostpersonal assets several yearsbefore applying for Medicaid. Infact, many assets can beprotected. A legal counselor canformulate effective Medicaidplanning for structuring and

preserving assets, compliantwith state and federal laws. Thelawyer can explain how to avoidMedicaid liens, such as the lienon a patient’s home in order topay for nursing home care. Theattorney also can guide theclient through appeals for reliefin Medicaid matters.

AASSSSIISSTTEEDD LLIIVVIINNGG AANNDD HHOOMMEE CCAARREE

Many people have long-termcare insurance to pay the bulkof nursing home, assisted livingor home care costs. While thispreserves personal assets,insurance coverage may beexhausted before the policyholder dies. However, oneneeds to see an elder law

attorney to protect assets oncethe insurance benefits areexhausted.

VVEETTEERRAANN AASSSSIISSTTAANNCCEEAn attorney can explain the

various benefits offered by theVeterans Administration.Besides hospitalization andother medical care, a veteran orveteran’s spouse may be eligiblefor VA-funded support inrelated areas. These can rangefrom assistance in toileting andbathing to eating and exercise.

Apart from the veteran’s basicpension and medical support,VA benefits include help withdisability costs. Theadministration’s “Aid and

Attendance” and“Housebound” benefitsprograms may be of particularinterest. It is important torealize that a veteran need notbe wounded during war but justneeding the aid and attendanceof another person at this stagein their life. Also, this programis for widows of Veterans.There are certain requirementsthat must be met bothphysically and financiallybefore a Veteran will qualify forthis benefit. Consult an ElderLaw attorney if you are havingtrouble meeting theirguidelines.

WWEEAALLTTHH PPRROOTTEECCTTIIOONNA personal estate plan is

recommended for all adults butbecomes essential afterretirement. Without it,survivors of the deceased standto lose a large percentage ofexisting assets.

An estate planner primarilydrafts legal instruments thatstipulate the disposition ofassets when the client dies.These documents include willsand trust agreements.

The lawyer can show how toprotect the estate from deathtaxes. Additionally, the attorneycan point out resources thatwill pay some of the costs oflong-term care, thus helpingpreserve the value of the estate.

How To Protect Your Legal Needs as You Age


HOW-TO GUIDE

If you’re like many of myclients, choosing the rightwindow treatment is aconfusing process. Trying todecide between the type ofwindow treatment that wouldwork best for you, your home,and your windows, plus findingjust the right fabric, issometimes enough to make youfeel like having the entirewindow just walled off!

It can be a daunting task tochoose the right windowtreatment. However, here are afew guidelines to help you getstarted. First and foremost, youmust decide what you wantyour window to do. Onceyou’ve conquered that decision,half the battle is over! Askyourself a few questions. Doesyour window provide a lovelyview that you wish to enhance?Does your room thirst for thenatural light the windowprovides? Does the windowallow too much sunlight thatwill damage floors andfurniture? Would you prefer todisguise a not-so-lovely view?Do your windows seem toosmall for the size of your room?Are the windows in your roommismatched in width andlength, and placement on thewall? Do you have an arch orshaped window? Because thereare so many design optionsavailable to creatively solve anywindow challenge, it’simportant you considerfunction first.

Take, for example thiswindow scenario…your windowopens to a lovely view and you

have absolutely no privacyconstraints. The rule in thiscase is to frame the view ordraw the eye to the window asthe focal point to enhance theview. One design idea for yourcustom window treatmentmight be topping the windowwith a beautifully colored anddesigned top treatment, andthen framing the window with

stationary side panels. Thisclassic and elegant design canbe transformed from veryformal to simply casual byfabric selection and designdetails.

Here’s another creativedesign “rule” for a differentwindow challenge. Let’s sayyou are dealing with extremely

narrow windows and yourdesire is to give them moreprominence in your room. Byhanging window treatmentsbeyond the actual frame of thewindow, these same “thin”windows will take on a “larger”presence in your room.Conversely, if you’re dealingwith shorter windows, awindow treatment hung from

floor to ceiling will add theheight the room needs and thatyou desire.

For windows with too muchsun or a not-so-lovely view,you might consider sheers.Sheers have come a long wayfrom the basic voile and batiste.Today’s sheers offer a widevariety of colors, prints, andtextures. Even blinds haveentered the sheer business withshades like the Hunter DouglasSilhouette® or Luminette®.These sheer shades combinedwith fabric top and/or sidetreatments can create some ofthe most dynamic windowtreatments on the market today.

For windows with an arch,transom, or eyebrow shape,there are solutions. These aswell as bays, bows, and 2-storywindows should be left to adesign professional.Projections, heights, and anglescan really be a nuisance and canbe the cause of costly errors ifnot treated properly.

All in all, there are a myriad ofdesign choices available to solveeven the toughest of windowdesign challenges. By doingyour homework, and workingwith a professional decorator,your solutions will be excitingto explore.

How To Choose aWindow Treatment


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HOW-TO GUIDE


Pain is no fun. If you sprainyour wrist, you're forced to useyour other hand to ringdoorbells and dial telephones. Ifyou twist your ankle, you walkwith a limp.

While neither of these painsis welcome, the inconveniencesthey carry with them arenothing compared to backinjury. When you hurt yourback, everything else hurtsright along with it. You risefrom bed each morning in slowmotion, drag your body into ahot shower, and prepareyourself for a very unpleasantday. It may hurt to walk, standor even sit which can make itdifficult to get through a longday.

Time is often the bestmedicine for a pulled backmuscle, although the minutesand hours tend to pass ratherslowly when your life is anagonizing blur of pain. Afterseveral weeks, the muscle willheal. However, more seriousback and neck problems mayrequire the professionalattention of a highly skilledchiropractor.

It's important to understandthat chiropractic is a naturalform of healthcare and maytake some time to see results.The longer a patient has had aproblem, the longer it may taketo see a change in yourcondition. Be sure to choose achiropractor that you arecomfortable with. Don’t beafraid to questions. It is betterto understand your condition

and the treatments involved.There are many aspects ofchiropractic such asphysiotherapy, interferential

therapy, ultrasound therapy,massage therapy and non-surgical decompression to namea few. One or a combination of

these therapies can be veryeffective. Every patient isunique as the treatingchiropractor. Everychiropractor may not offer alltypes of treatments.

Visit your family doctor andinform them of your backproblems. They mayrecommend a chiropractor toyou right then and there(although this is rare), but evenif they don't you always want tokeep your family doctor in theloop. If you end up atop achiropractor's table, an idealsituation would be to have bothdoctors conversing with oneanother about your treatments.There should be an open line ofcommunication between yourfamily doctor and yourchiropractor.

If you have to choose achiropractor on your own,you'll need to do yourhomework, which means you'regoing to want to ask a fewquestions when calling clinicsover the phone. That maysound like a hassle, but yourspine is worth it.

Occasionally patients are alittle apprehensive about neckadjustments. Mostchiropractors offer freeconsultations and this will giveyou an opportunity to ask anyquestions you have about thetreatment or what it entails. Ifyou are not comfortable withneck adjustments, ask if theyoffer instrument adjusting,which is a very gentle way ofachieving the same result. If,

for some reason, you decidethat you want treatment but areuncomfortable with havingyour “neck popped,” tell yourdoctor. Don’t let this hold youback from getting the relief youneed and deserve without theuse of drugs or surgery.

Many chiropractors willrecommend maintenance careonce you have completedtreatment. Patients whoreceive maintenance care once amonth or every few months aremuch less likely to have arecurrence of the originalcondition. At home exercisesare just as important as thetreatment you receive in office.When consulting with achiropractor, ask if you will begiven at home care plan tofacilitate your overalltreatment.

If nutritional supplements areof interest to you, manychiropractors carry high qualityproducts that will give you themost benefit. If there is aparticular concern you mayhave, you may want to schedulea nutritional consultation onwhat are best ones for you toadd to your daily regimen.

Most chiropractors are giftedprofessionals who help peopleevery day, and if you have aback problem that won't goaway you might want to consultone. If you do, there's an easyway to tell if your chiropractoris doing a good job - you'll feelbetter.

How To Choose aChiropractor


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Don’t Neglect theOnly Body You HaveWhy do we regularly check our other elements, yet often neglect our spineand joints that keep us mobile?

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Prior to coming to Dr. Kelly, I couldn’t turn myhead in either direction due to severe neck painbrought on my arthritis. Now, I can turn myhead in both directions and feel much better.

Bobby L. Odum

I suffered from severe lower back and hip painbrought on my arthritis. After receiving treat-ment elsewhere with no success, I came to Dr.Kelly after meeting her at the Senior HealthFair. Within a few treatments, I was feelingbetter and my occasional limp was gone. I alsoenjoy the interaction with Dr. Kelly’s staff, whoreally make you feel like family.

Carolyn Odum

I first came to see Dr. Kelly in November of 2009. Iwas in terrible pain as well as depressed. I use towork on the river and injured my lower back in 2003and again in 2004. Also my hands, shoulders, upperback and neck began to hurt. My pain was becom-ing severe and I was without hope.

I have been to all types of doctors but wasn’t awareof chiropractic care. Surgery made me worse andphysical therapy didn’t help. I’ve tried medicationafter medication which has only numbed me and Icouldn’t think clearly.

After only a few weeks of chiropractic care, I feelamazing! I no longer have a drug dependency andnow I have hope and a better me! I only wish some-one had told me about Chiropractic Care sooner.

Chris McRoy

I have suffered pain for many years in my neck andright arm, from burns to my arm to falls as a teenag-er. A rear-end accident 4 years ago only enhancedthe suffering I was already feeling.

After years of taking pain medication and numerousvisits to my family doctor, physical therapists andother chiropractors, I found Dr. Hoppers through anewspaper ad and hours of prayer.

While I had experienced a fair amount of relief dur-ing my other visits, nothing compared to what I feltafter coming to Dr. Hoppers. It was incredible! Hercombination of therapy, adjustment and massagehas provided outstanding results. She and her staffare so skilled and compassionate that I count thedays until my next session.

Marsha Russell

HOW-TO GUIDE


When choosing a gym to fityour fitness goals, be sure tolook for one that motivates andinspires its clients.

The most popular gym facilityis not always the best choice foryour individual needs, so youwill want to break down theirservices and be sure that youare in the fitness program thatsuits your goals and entry levelabilities. “Big does not alwaysmean better”, said MichelleCottonaro, general manager ofWorld of Fitness. “We offer afamily environment and wantour members to be comfortableduring their workout time”.

Whether you are a seasonedpro in the gym or have neverseen the inside of a lockerroom, be sure you get what youpay for and enroll in a gym thatcaters to your individual needs.

The serious gym user willseek out the services of aprofessional and personaltrainer to devise a program withrealistic goals, whileencouraging and evenhammering the diligentmember. Though some personaltrainers may seem heartless, heor she has put your best interestat hand and is there to lead youto victory with a workout younever dreamed possible.

They are trained professionalsto assess your fitness level andput you on a program thatpushes your body to the limitsat a safe and healthy pace. Andfor the rookie in the gym,trainers are invaluable. “Allnew members get 3 freesessions with our certifiedpersonal trainers to formulize a

plan best for their fitness goals”,Cottonaro said.

If pumping iron is not yourinspiration at the gym, you mayopt for a softer approach to getinto shape.

Pilates is an industry in itself,and you may wish to seek out agym with a bevy of certifiedPilates instructors. The Pilatesmethod to fitness uses smooth,gliding action to tone and firm aphysique into long, leanmuscles more akin to aprofessional dancer, rather thana jock.

Yoga is also a very popularclass at many fitness centers.Yogo is for all ages and fitnesslevels, and has become one ofthe most sought after workoutsfor pro athletes and celebrities.

If your goal is to take classeswith group involvement, thenaerobics is the way to go for afitness routine set to music anda lively atmosphere.

However, be sure to enquireabout the level of fitnessrequired for each class you signup for. Gym patrons withlimited experience may best beserved with a low-impact classto guard against undue pressureplaced on the knees and feet.

And with a little aerobicsexperience and some weightloss, the new student will soongraduate to a more challengingclass. “We have a variety ofaerobic classes available somembers will be comfortable atwhatever level of fitness theyare at”, Cottonaro said.

Choosing a fitness centershould not be a hasty decision.You must feel the facility meetsyour needs, but also gives you alevel of comfort that has youlooking forward to goingregular. Because while you aregoing to “workout”, exerciseshouldn’t feel like “work” allthe time.

How To Choose a Gym


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Whether it is a recentlydeveloped need or a long-termproblem, choosing mobilityequipment can be anoverwhelming task.

Financial limits, medicalneeds and accessibilityrequirements can all complicatethe process. The numerousoptions can also be seen as ablessing as well as a curse.

Overall, more choices mean abetter chance of completelymeeting the needs of the personaffected by the disability andtheir family. There are somesimple ways to break down thesearch for a health mobilitycompany and ensure a pleasantexperience for all involved.

First, establish what kind ofequipment is needed now andwhat may be needed in thefuture. For instance, elderlypatients often graduallyincrease in their need formobility assistance.

If a long-term relationship issomething you would like toestablish with the company forfuture needs, be sure to checkinto all the company offers. It isimpossible to predict all futureneeds, but a physician andmany mobility specialists canassist you in considering thepossibilities. Current needs areusually easier to assess.

To narrow down the searchconsider the current mobilitylevel of the patient. Do they

need walking assistance or dothey need something to carrytheir body weight? If it isestablished that a cane orwalker is sufficient, findingappropriate equipment shouldbe fairly easy. These types ofdevices are widely available in

most areas.

If a full transportation deviceis needed, there are severalconsiderations to think about.The physical capability of theoperator should meet theminimum requirements of

control on the machine.

For instance, if a person haslittle use of their forearms andfingers, scooters would not be agood choice as they requiretwo-handed controls. However,power chairs can offer differentoptions for steering.

It is also important toconsider how much weight thedevice needs to carry. If amobility device is used over thelisted capacity it will void themanufacturer’s warranty, andthus create an expensive repairbill or the need for replacement.

The storage and transport ofthe scooter or power chairshould also be taken intoconsideration. If the device willbe transported frequently, alighter, foldable scooter is thebest option. If the chair will beused mainly in one locationthen comfort features can beconsidered the priority.

Once the needs have beenquantified, the next step isdeciding how you want to makepurchases. An Internet-basedcompany offers access from anycomputer connected to theWeb, but the downside is a lackof personal contact. Thesecompanies will likely have callcenters as well, meaning callsfor assistance could betransferred away from yourlocation. The same is true forTV advertising scootercompanies.

Local companies that runphysical stores give customersthe benefit of face-to-facecontact. It is also easy to get intouch with them by simplyreturning to the store.

Perhaps the most crucialbenefit is the ability of thepatient to come in and trydifferent devices or simply viewall the options. Somecompanies will send a deliveryperson along with the orderwhen it is shipped, but youaren’t able to see the productuntil it is delivered. Manycompanies can “sell” you awheelchair or scooter, but it iscritically important that youwork with someone thatunderstands medicalconditions, diagnosis,prognosis and the performancecapabilities of variouswheelchairs and scooters.

Each insurance company,especially Medicare, hasspecific coverage criteria thatyou must meet in order forthem to fund mobilityequipment for you. It isimportant to choose a companywith knowledgeable supportstaff that is able to explain theindividual funding process thateach payer source requires.

The choices can seemoverwhelming, but the bestthing to remember is to choosea local experienced provider.

How To Choose a Health Mobility Company

HOW-TO GUIDE


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