Repairing Stucco

by Shawn Kyles

Stucco, also known as Portland cement plaster, is a popular finish for many commercial and residential structures. It was originally made from lime, sand and water. Today it is made from Portland cement, aggregate (sand) and water. Cement, a word that dates back to the Romans, is the binder that holds the materials together.

Portland cement is one of the key ingredients of concrete, and can be found in structures such as high-rise buildings and freeways.

Stucco is applied wet to a surface, where it hardens. Typically two to three thin layers are applied. A trowel is used for the first layer (scratch coat) to create the scratches needed for the second layer (brown coat). The final, third layer is the “finish coat.”

Stucco can also be applied to brick, stone, concrete and adobe, as well as a wood frame or other types of material.

Builders often use stucco for exterior work because of its strength and toughness in a variety of weather conditions. It also has a high resistance to rust and fire. Because stucco is breathable, moisture can pass through the material, which help prevents rot. Additionally, Portland cement plaster is extremely economical.

Another advantage to using stucco on a building is its adaptability to many different types of architectural styles. Pigment can be added to stucco to change its color, and textures can be created to make the plaster look like brick, stone or wood. In ancient times, it was used to create architectural designs (reliefs). Sometimes additional materials are added to the stucco to increase its durability and flexibility.

Many homes in Southern California have stucco siding, especially buildings with a Mediterranean or Spanish style. Stucco is also used as an interior finish.

Like most building materials, stucco can become damaged over time. Cracks can appear, as well as holes. There can also be chipping, especially around or near corners. Cracking is usually the result of settlement. Although stucco cracking can be a normal part of a building’s aging process, It can also be a sign of more serious foundation problems. Any stucco damage should be inspected by a foundation repair expert to make sure the cause of the cracking is properly identified and fully corrected.

Whenever a hole or crack appears, it needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further damage and deterioration. Water can enter the building through stucco wall cracks, causing rot and other structural issues, which will eventually require more extensive and costly repairs. The rate at which water will enter a building through a stucco crack will depend on its size and depth of the crack, and where it is located. The amount of wind in the area can also influence the degree of water penetration.

Home repair of stucco can be difficult, particularly if you need to match textures and colors. The repair also needs to be waterproof. You will also want to make sure that any underlying structural issues or conditions causing the cracking are addressed as well. A foundation repair expert can thoroughly inspect your property and give you valuable feedback regarding stucco repairs and any other building issues that may need to be corrected.

Diagnosing and Treating TMD/TMJ

by Michael Vold, DDS, JD

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a physical condition caused by the deterioration of your jaw joints. It is also known as TMJ, which is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint.

There are two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the face. The temporomandibular name comes from the two bones that create the joint, the temporal bone and the mandible. The temporal bone is part of your skull, and the mandible is your lower jaw bone. A small disc made of cartilage is positioned between the bones to form the joint.

TMD is often painful and can result in congested ears, ringing in the ears, facial swelling, headaches and breathing problems; as well as back, neck and shoulder pain. TMD can also make it difficult to chew, cause odd clicking or popping sounds when the jaw joint is opened or closed, and result in hearing loss. The discomfort can last for short or long periods of time. Both the jaw bone and surrounding areas are usually affected by the disorder, such as muscles, tissues, blood vessels and tendons.

TMD is frequently caused by the misalignment of teeth. This misalignment can occur due to stress, auto accidents, arthritis and many other ailments that affect body joints in general. If the disorder isn’t corrected, the jaw bone will continue to erode and your teeth will begin to loosen. TMD can also lead to tooth loss.

Many times TMD can be successfully treated by a dentist. First, a thorough examination is conducted to determine the reason for the problems you are having. Any areas of pain will be looked at, and your bite will be studied. Muscle and jaw functionality will be evaluated, along with any difficulties you are having opening and closing your mouth. X-rays may be necessary to get a full and detailed view of your jaw joints and teeth.

Sometimes symptoms similar to TMD are caused by gum disease, tooth decay and other health issues. A knowledgeable dentist will be able to diagnose the real source of your pain and discomfort.

In cases involving TMD, various methods can be used to manage the disorder, including orthodontics, bite adjustments, crowns, implant teeth, and bite appliances. Other remedies include heat and cold packs, mild medication to reduce pain and relax the muscles, physical therapy and changes in behavior.

A conservative approach to TMD can be taken, working with patients to correct any habits that may be contributing to the disorder and apply a gradient scale of remedies to resolve the situation, including dietary changes such as eating softer foods. Sometimes several different types of treatment are conducted at the same time. It doesn’t necessarily require oral dental surgery to correct it.

It has been reported that 25% of the population has some type of jaw malfunction. If you are experiencing any type of jaw problem, seek advice from a dentist with TMD training and experience. There is software called Bite FX which demonstrates and explains about TMD. Proper evaluation and treatment can restore your health and prevent future tooth loss.

Northbrook Court Dental Provides Treatment Program for TMD

Northbrook, Illinois - Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) announced a treatment program for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), also known as TMJ. The painful physical condition is caused by deteriorating jaw joints and can lead to tooth loss if not corrected.

“We have successfully treated many cases of TMD with a conservative approach that focuses on identifying and eliminating the source of the problem. and we have software called Bite FX that helps to explain and demonstrate the problem,” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S., Northbrook dentist and founder of Northbrook Court Dental Associates. Dr. Vold has undergone extensive TMD training and education, and is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating TMD cases.

TMD is typically caused by the misalignment of teeth, which can result from various health issues such as arthritis, as well as auto accidents and stress-related tooth grinding. The condition affects the jaw bone as well as nearby muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissues.

Symptoms of TMD/TMJ include headaches, ringing in the ears, breathing difficulties and facial swelling, as well as neck, shoulder and head pain.

Northbrook Court Dental Associates’ TMD treatment program begins with a thorough examination of the patient’s jaw bone and any areas where the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort. Jaw movement is closely analyzed to determine the source of the problem.

Methods used by the clinic to correct TMD include bit adjustments, orthodontics, bite appliances and crowns. Patients are also given instructions for at-home care that can involve changes in diet and the use of hot and cold packs to reduce swelling.

“Our staff works closely with patients suffering from TMD to ensure the underlying cause of the condition is thoroughly addressed,” says Dr. Vold. For more information on Northbrook Court Dental Associates’ TMD/TMJ treatment program, visit the Northbrook dental clinic’s website or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Foundation Construction Company Lists Signs Of Foundation Damage

Company Says Foundation Damage Signs Important To Know To Prevent Safety Problems

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a Los Angeles foundation repair specialist company, is making some of the signs of foundation damage in a home known to homeowners in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. The company is making the information known to increase public awareness of structural safety and the role that the condition of a home foundation’s stability plays in this. The company also urges that signs of foundation problems should be handled as quickly as possible with foundation repair for the safety of all of the home’s occupants.

According to Shawn Kyles, Julian Construction’s co-owner, some of the main reasons why a foundation fails are bad design, poor soil conditions or moisture issues. Bad design may include inadequate support or reinforcement, incorrectly cured cement or too thin a foundation. Poor soil conditions can be seen in soil that expands when wet and contracts when dry. Plumbing leaks or inadequate drainage can create moisture issues. After these factors or similar factors are present then foundation settlement can be seen, showing up with wall cracks, sloping floors or doors or windows that will not open properly. If any of the above are seen in a home, Mr. Kyles recommend the homeowner address it at once before foundation damage creates a safety problem.

Julian De La Torre, owner and founder of Julian Construction, Inc., stated: “We do a lot of foundation repair in our business. The problem is in a lot of places, foundation damage is much more common than people suspect. We find that people are just not aware of the signs of danger until it becomes a very serious problem. If a homeowner can recognize the signs early then much more foundation damage can be prevented.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

Company Says Foundation Replacement Not A DIY Project

Construction Company Advises Homeowners On Foundation Replacement

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a Los Angeles foundation repair and foundation construction company, recently released a public notice urging homeowners to not attempt a DIY foundation replacement project. The company gave some of the steps of replacing a foundation and its reasons why a homeowner should seek a professional construction contractor to fix such foundation problems.

Julian Construction’s co-owner, Mr. Shawn Kyles, stated: “Replacing a foundation can be a complicated and involved process depending on the size of the structure, its location and the extent of the damage.” He went on to explain a bit about the process of replacing a foundation. Most often the two things needing replacement are the foundation walls and the cement slab. The house is lifted several feet above the foundation, and all utilities must be off. A trench is dug around the house as well. Then the foundation’s walls can be taken out, followed by the basement slab. The dirt under the slab is inspected and if it is properly compacted then new cement can be poured. Sometimes additional supports, such as steel beams, are needed. At this point the utilities can be put back on and the home restored to its original condition.

Mr. Kyles further stated: “Replacing a foundation is a worst-case scenario when it comes to foundation damage. Regular home inspections will often uncover foundation problems before they become serious. If foundation replacement is called for, then a qualified specialist should inspect the structure and give his recommendation for how the foundation should be repaired. Every foundation’s conditions are different, a professional foundation contractor can execute the needed repairs for that structure to make sure it is safe.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

Producer/Director Steps Up Activities on Constitutional Film

Re-Orientation to the Constitution is Goal of Film; Necessity Increasingly Evident, Says Producer

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Film producer and director Norm Novitsky (http://www.normnovitsky.com) has increased the pace of efforts on his constitutional feature film “In Search of Liberty” after expressing his concern over what he calls “the declining adherence and attention paid to our founding document by today's lawmakers and citizens.”

Novitsky's feature film “In Search of Liberty” is fully scripted and, with a short introductory film completed already [available on request], Novitsky says the filming should start in the near future. He has reiterated his eventual plan to see this film completed and placed in the hands of every elected official and legislator in the country.

“What we're seeing in this society is a further and further departure from the intentions and ideals envisioned by our Founding Fathers, and embodied in the Constitution,” says Novitsky. “This is the main factor behind our economic problems and behind arguments in the media about what the government should 'allow.' It's just ignorance or deliberate neglect of our Constitution.”

Novitsky cites the argument of 2nd Amendment advocates vs. gun control activists: “A clear reading of the 2nd Amendment, and of other writings of our Founding Fathers, leaves no doubt that their direct intent was an armed populace as a safeguard against governmental tyranny. But in the media, very few articles on this debate even touch upon the actual purpose of this amendment. Instead, they will talk about 'commonsense limits' to magazine sizes and how 'dangerous' guns can be. That's the point—they're dangerous to potential tyrants!”

He continues: “The Founding Fathers saw the danger of an over-reaching government directing every aspect of the lives of its people, and they sought to prevent that with the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment—which says that citizens and state governments have the greatest rights, and the federal government only has the specific powers listed in the Constitution—is proof of that. Only utter disregard for these limits could lead to the vast powers enjoyed by 'Uncle Sam' today.”

Novitsky says his film will “visually demonstrate the application and relevance of the Constitution” to modern-day America. “That's why I'm so intent on this,” he says. “This is what this country needs: re-orientation to the Constitution and our founding principles. I want to give it that push in the right direction.”

For more information about Norm Novitsky or his upcoming film “In Search of Liberty”, visit the official film website at http://insearchofliberty.com/, or visit http://www.normnovitsky.com.

Developmental Editor Provides List Of Books On Writing

Editor Susan Mary Malone Shares Her Most Recommended Books On How To Write

DALLAS, TX: Susan Mary Malone, (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/), award-winning developmental editor and author, recently released a list of her recommended books on writing. She also gave insight on the merits of each, and what to look for in a book on writing, as well as what not to look for. The list, as well as Susan’s other articles on the literary world, can be found on Susan Malone’s blog: http://www.maloneeditorial.com/

Susan Malone suggested that writers start with Strunk and White’s "The Elements Of Style." “For understanding language and style, grammar and syntax and sentence structure it can’t be beat.” She also suggested Jack Bickam’s "Scene and Structure." She comments “When you break down a chapter, you do so by studying the scenes involved—where they hit, where they missed, what’s flat, what’s beside the point, etc. This book does a great job of clearing the page about this.” Her most recommended is Sharon Creech’s "Love That Dog," “It is about finding your voice (although not at the exclusion of everything else!).”

Ms. Malone also stated: “The real truth is, you’re pushing water uphill if you want this to fall into some sort of one, two, three scenario. As with all art, the path is winding and circular and includes hills and valleys and the deep recesses of the ocean floor. In other words, the one, two, three of book development doesn’t exist, so go ahead and lay that aside.”

The full list can be seen here: http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/books-on-writing/

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the SouthWest Writer's Conference, the East Texas Writer’s Guild, and the upcoming Lexicon Writer’s Conference, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com.

Patient Pointers: Preventing MRSA Post Cosmetic Procedures

by Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, FACS

What Is MRSA?

MRSA—short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—is a bacterial “staph” infection dubbed by the media a “superbug” because of its resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA bacteria is present in only about one percent of the population; and while just carrying the bacteria, termed “colonization,” does not mean an individual will become ill, they can still pass it to others who may develop the more serious, and potentially fatal, surgical wound/skin infections, bloodstream infections, or pneumonia.

What Is Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and How Does It Differ from MRSA?

MRSA is most often seen in people in hospitals and healthcare centers who have weakened immune systems. However, in the 1990s, it began appearing in the general public. According to the CDC, “MRSA infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are know [sic] as CA-MRSA infections.”

MRSA and Cosmetic Procedures

So how does the risk of MRSA and CA-MRSA relate specifically to those considering plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery? The main reason that cosmetic patients need to be concerned about MRSA is that having a fresh incision makes one more susceptible to contracting an infection. And while many safe, clean plastic surgery facilities maintain a sterile environment and might have a low rate of any type of post-op infection, most plastic procedures are outpatient, which means patients return home, and into the community, the same day as their surgeries. Consequently, the responsibility for protecting against infection rests predominantly on the patients themselves.

Dr. Shah’s Tips for Preventing MRSA

So what are the most effective measures patients can take toward prevention? Compiled from materials distributed by the Mayo Clinic and the CDC, Bakersfield plastic surgeon Dr. Shah tailors his tips specifically to protecting patients from MRSA following plastic surgery.

Prior to your procedure:

Prepare your place before surgery. Clean your home thoroughly prior to your surgery by wiping down all surfaces with a cleaning solution that states explicitly on the label that it kills methicillin-resistant Staph aureus, such Mr. Clean Antibacterial Multi-Surface spray or StaphAseptic (www.StaphASeptic.com). This means you’ll return home to safe surroundings and eliminate the need to wipe away (and come into contact with) germs when your incisions are at their most vulnerable.

Sanitize towels and bedding. Wash all linens directly before your procedure, so only clean cloths will be near your fresh incisions. Continue to cleanse towels, bedding, and clothing frequently for a month post op, washing and drying on “hot” (and adding bleach, ideally).

For the first MONTH post op:

Keep hands clean. Wash hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after returning home or touching shared surfaces: Scrub thoroughly for a minimum of 15 seconds, then dry with a non-reusable towel (such as a paper towel), and turn off faucet using a fresh sheet. Of course, remember to always wash your hands before touching your incisions!

Keep incisions clean and covered. Since recent wounds allow easy entry for MRSA and other bacterial infections, the most important protective pointer is to make sure your incision(s) are clean and covered at all times, using simple soap and water; then wrapping with a fresh, dry bandage; and even still, avoiding skin-to-skin contact as much as possible. Remember, moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow; so keep your incisions as dry as possible.

Pack Purell (and pass it around!) When out and about, carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in case you get caught without the ability to wash. At home, give each family member a bottle of their own, so they can avoid passing potentially dangerous bacteria on to you.

Shun the sharing of personal items. Since MRSA can be spread via contaminated items as well as direct contact, it’s crucial that you not share anything that touches your incisions until they are completely healed, including towels, razors, sheets and blankets, and clothing. Because CA-MRSA is contagious in the community at large, anyone—no matter how hygienic—is a potential carrier…and can potentially pass it along to you!

Keep yourself clean. The cleaner your body in general, the less likely bacteria is to find its way into your wound(s). Therefore, for the month following your surgery, make certain you shower (with soap) regularly, particularly after public outings or exercise.

Avoid breeding-grounds for bacteria. Because certain places—like schools, hospitals, gyms, and jails—are known for being ripe with bacteria (including MRSA), try your best to stay away until you are fully healed. If absolutely unavoidable, make sure your incisions are well bandaged and covered with clothing.

Watch for warning signs of MRSA. Keep an eye on your incision(s), and call your surgeon immediately if you observe an increase in redness, swelling, or tenderness, or if you develop any “oozing,” drainage, or a fever.

What if I Become Infected…Is MRSA Treatable?
Yes; MRSA can be remedied with certain antibiotics or treating/draining the infected abscess or boil itself.

So while MRSA does have the potential to be life threatening, all sources seem to come to the same conclusion: Patients like you play an integral role in staying safe. MRSA is a serious issue, but one that can be controlled by understanding transmission and practicing some relatively simple precautions.

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Where New Writers Fail

By Susan Mary Malone

Publishing’s brave new world has dawned. Once upon a time, in the ancient days of yore, getting a book published was what amounted to a lifetime undertaking. Those days of course are over. With POD and now e-books, anyone can get a book published in what amounts to overnight. 

Enter what also amounts to an incredible sea of god-awful books. Because while it’s true the elite club was almost impenetrable before, the converse of today is that now writers put words to paper and publish it. 

I know—not everyone does that. As was once the norm, many writers still delve in deeply to learn the craft; to write and write and write some more; to join workshops and take classes and go to conferences and seek skilled editorial help (which in those once-upon-a-time days was provided by publishers). In essence, to hone their skills and become better and better writers before their manuscripts ever become published books. The flip side of that is to read and read and read as well. I am always amazed at the number of writers who tell me they don’t read. Boggles the mind! 
 
But most of the writerly discussions and forums now talk about physical product and marketing. Which of course are both vital. But those are secondary and tertiary. Yes, when self-publishing, you have to have a nicely printed product, with a great cover, in order to start selling your book. And the marketing is absolutely everything in the end—whether you are self-published or traditionally so. You have to do your own marketing even if published by the big NY boys. So yes, yes, both these things are necessary.

Only here’s what’s happening with that ocean of books: Once you get past the shiny covers and into the text, folks quit reading. While most readers cannot tell you why a character is flat, they can tell you that the character is flat. And they stop reading. Most readers can’t say why the plot didn’t hold together, but they can say they couldn’t quite follow it. And while great prose isn’t something the average reader can dissect, she can tell you that the book was so enjoyable. Now, if this reader is your sister or best friend, she’s probably just going to say, “I loved it!” (Otherwise you need better friends and relatives:) 

Here’s the kicker: Though you may sell a lot of copies of the first book, and therefore think it was good, those readers if not truly entertained won’t buy the second. And your career as an author has just tanked. Only the iceberg you hit was you. 

In today’s market of billions of books, you have to stand out, above the crowd. And you do that with quality. As a novel editor, I find many of my writers self-publish, and do bang-up jobs getting the book to be perfect—working on novel development and editing a book—before spending all those dollars on covers and marketing. They’re building audiences and becoming more and more successful. One client came to me after she’d self-published and knew she wanted to go to the next level. She did. She got a six-figure deal from Kensington and is now a NY Times Bestselling author. Another did the same. 

So yep, you have to spend the bucks on the backend. But unless you spend the time, effort, and dollars on the front end perfecting your craft and in book development, even in today’s new world of publishing, you might as well toss that money into the slot machine in Vegas.

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Constitutional Film Maker Likens the Constitution to Tenets of a Successful Business

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Film producer and director Norm Novitsky (http://www.normnovitsky.com), who is currently working on a feature film entitled “In Search of Liberty,” says that his film will visually show how the birth of a new nation adopting a well thought out and brilliant doctrine, the US Constitution, has given rise to the most powerful and wealthiest nation in history. Along with being a filmmaker Norm is also a successful business man and attributes his success in sensible, fair practice policy adopted and followed, resulting in a business organization’s success. When principle policies in an organization is violated and not followed deterioration of that business results and so it holds true with the US Constitution and we are now seeing a once wealthy and powerful nation in decline.

“The need for successful principles and policies should be obvious to anyone who has successfully run a company, or studied well the subject of business administration. What might not be so obvious is how this fact, and other fundamentals of the business world, apply in the realm of our government. That's where we are going in this film.”

Novitsky, who has recently recommended several basic sources on the US Constitution and its relation to current events, says this education is important “because it's basic policy. You wouldn't go to work for a company without having any idea of their senior policy, and you certainly wouldn't try to run the company without knowing it! And yet in our society, we neglect constitutional education and then wonder why we have such a mess economically.”

Asked what he plans to accomplish with his film, Novitsky gives a far-ranging goal: “Ultimately, I want to see to a complete reorientation of our country to its basic founding policy: the Constitution. The first step in that direction is education - not only in our schools, but of those currently in office. We have a very gregarious [friendly] president, but the question we need to ask, of him or any other elected official, is not 'how likeable is he?' It's 'how well does he know, and how willing is he to follow, the fundamentals in our Constitution?' Before I'm through I want to see a copy of this film in the hands of every US elected official. I think we'll see a new light dawning thereby.”

For more information about Norm Novitsky or his upcoming film “In Search of Liberty”, visit the official film website at http://insearchofliberty.com/, or visit http://www.normnovitsky.com.

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