Real Estate by ray Newsletter  -  Issue #6

–William Feather

Make a solution of 3 tablespoons liquid soap, 2 cups water, and 20-30 drops of tea tree oil.  The oil is a natural disinfectant and is very safe to use on nearly all surfaces.

Deadly Fungus Invades Homes

Imagine sleeping in a huge bed of mold.  That’s what you may be doing if your home has been invaded by the #1 cause of respiratory distress.  Everyone from Ed McMahon to Erin Brockovich has dealt with this deadly problem. A newly created database of homes affected by mold across the U.S. has grown to over 11,000 names.  Your home may be the next fungus target.

You may think you are immune to household fungus, but what makes it so deadly is the fact that you can’t see it.  The fungus grows in walls and ventilation ducts while tiny spores escape and pollute the air. The primary cause of fungal development is water intrusion. 

If you’ve ever had a water leak, your home could be harboring dangerous fungus.  In order for the fungus to attack your home, the conditions must be moist with limited ventilation.  In as little as 12 hours from the exposure to moisture, the fungus can find a food source and begin to colonize.  To help prevent mold from attacking your home, you should quickly fix any roof or plumbing leaks, keep your heating and cooling systems well maintained and avoid over watering your landscaping.  It is also suggested you seal around chimneys and skylights because water often enters homes through these areas. 

The toxins created by the mold spores can poison the air and cause debilitating memory loss, respiratory difficulties, internal bleeding, and even tumor like growths.  The memory loss is often so severe that it can’t be fully regained without intensive therapy.  Early signs of mold toxins include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.  Some medical professionals are even blaming mold for the increase in asthma over the past several years.  The toxins not only affect homeowners, but also their pets.  Often sensitive little pet lungs are too damaged and premature death is the outcome. 

Many families are fighting back and plagued homeowners have won lawsuits for as much as $32 million.  This opens a huge door for effected homeowners and a giant mess for insurance companies.  If a large water break occurs and your insurance company sends out someone to fix the pipe, should they also be required to send out someone to ensure mold has not formed in the area?   You need to question these procedures if you find yourself in the position of having a major water leak.

If you have had past water damage and think dangerous mold spores may have invaded your home, you should contact an environmental air quality company in your area.  They will be able to come to your home and test the air for a variety of poisonous toxins.  For more information you can visit www.mold-kill.com.

Soothing Your Aching Joints

If your joints often ache after you have slept or sat for a long period of time, then you are probably experiencing some stage of osteoarthritis.  Don’t despair.  Almost every adult over age 40 experiences some degree of symptoms.  In fact over 20 million Americans feel their joints ache because of a past injury or years of use.  Even though it is difficult to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis, there are some things that can be done to control the symptoms.

·   Lose weight – obesity exacerbates the aches.

·   Exercise – low to mid impact activities on a regular schedule for short periods of time. 

·   Apply heat and cold – a 20-minute hot shower or heat pack can loosen your muscles and cold can relieve pain.  You can make your own heat pack by filling a sock with uncooked rice and heating it in the microwave for 3 minutes.

·   Take acetaminophen or low doses of ibuprophen for pain and glocosamine and chondroitin to help repair cartilage damage.  You can also try topical ointments if your pain persists.

To avoid pain don’t squat or sit in low unsupportive chairs.  Lift with your legs and wear shoes with good arch supports.  Otherwise, just know that you are not alone in your achy joints. 

Millions of Americans share your pain.  For more information and ideas about soothing your achy joints you can visit www.arthritis.org or www.arthritis.com.

A Cure For Common Fatigue?

      Did you know 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated?  This means you are most likely among those lacking water in their diet.

      Dehydration is the main trigger of daytime fatigue and causes symptoms such as nausea, stomachaches and confusion.  Drinking at least eight servings (8 oz each) of water each day will increase your energy supply and help you metabolize fat easier.  Toddlers should drink 2-3 ounces of water per hour and older children should drink 4-6 ounces. 

Amongst the significant benefits of water is that it can help ease back and joint pain for 80% of those individuals who suffer.  In fact, only five servings of water a day help reduce colon cancer by 45% and cut the risk of bladder cancer by 50%.  Not to mention it can cut your chances of breast cancer by 79% 

Try to start the day out with a pitcher of water filled with your target amount.  Then, you will be able to see exactly the amount you have drunk by the end of the day.  Drinking sparkling water with a twist or using it to dilute wine is a great way to get your water when you are dining out or at a party.  Always take a bottle of water with you when traveling.

Drinking eight glasses of water a day suddenly doesn’t seem so bad when you weigh the health benefits it may gain for you now and in the future. 

Decorating Wisely

Before you break out the paintbrush or start moving furniture try some simple tips that will make your redecorating more successful.

ü      Use light or vivid colors to brighten the room.  Also try painting the walls and ceiling in the same shade.

ü      If you have a real asset in the room center your furniture around it and paint it a particularly bright or elegant accent color. 

ü      Use area rugs to control traffic patterns.  If you have a problem point in the room try to arrange furniture and rugs so the problem is avoided. 

ü      Use color to create separations in a room that is being used for more than one purpose. 

ü      Try using texture to create warmth and interest points.

The movement of furniture, additions of inexpensive paint and texture, and the use area rugs can help you make the most of your space.

Real Estate Corner… 

Q:  I am trying to help my elderly parents find an appropriate retirement home.  What things should I be looking for to ensure they would have all of the accommodations they will need in the next few years?

A. Whether you are trying to help an elderly relative find retirement housing or you are looking to your own future needs, you should weigh the same factors.  You must decide what level of care will be needed both in the short-term and in the long-term and then determine what type of housing situation is appropriate.

1. Independent living offers the least assistance in a retirement setting.  Usually the person has their own condo or apartment and does not receive any help with the basic activities of daily living.  It is private housing with a few optional services available.  These services often include transportation, meals, and housekeeping. This type of living arrangement is wonderful for an older person who just needs socialization opportunities and minimal assistance. 

2. Assisted living is a level below nursing home care.  They usually offer the tenant meals, laundry services, and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing.  They still offer a great deal of independence and wonderful socialization opportunities, but begin to give more acute care.

3. Nursing home care is usually the last level of care before hospitalization.  Nursing homes offer full health care 24 hours a day and independence is very limited.  They do all of the cleaning, bathing, and medication distribution. 

4. A Continuing Care Retirement Community offers the spectrum from independent living to skilled nursing care.  Often they require an initial fee and then you pay monthly for the level of services you are requiring at the time.  Continuing care retirement communities provide their residents with a very stable base that grows as needs change.