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Holiday electrical safety

November 30, 2011 By

submitted by John C. Kernan CFI, CFEI & CFII, Chief Fire Marshal FM-272, Upper Makefield Township

It can happen anytime of the year, but it seems to happen most frequently around the holidays – the electrical outlets begin to put on additional weight! Outlets that normally carry a single plug for a light are now fed by multiple extension cords and surge protectors to power the 10 strings of lights for the tree, electric candles, CD player for holiday music, etc.

Overloaded outlets do cause fires, an estimated 5,300 annually and almost 2,000 occur during the holidays. Just how many things can you plug into an electrical outlet before it will catch fire? It helps if you have a basic understanding of electricity.

Most homes have 120 volts of electricity flowing through it at any given time. Somewhere in your home there is an electrical panel box containing either circuit breakers or fuses found in older homes. Circuit breakers and fuses act as a failsafe in the event of an electrical overload and they regulate the current. The current is expressed in amperes (amps) and most circuit breakers and fuses regulate at either 15 to 20 amps. If too much current is drawn from the circuit the circuit breaker or fuse blows, breaking the circuit to prevent an overload.

The problem is that circuit breakers and fuses aren’t always 100% reliable!

Another potential hazard occurs when more than one outlet is wired into a single circuit. If you check your electrical panel you may see a single circuit labeled “Heater” or “Washer/Dryer” and “AC Unit.” You may also find that all of the outlets in a single room are connected to a single circuit! What this means is that you don’t necessarily have to overload a single outlet to cause a fire!

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Resveratrol: The key to longer life?

November 30, 2011 By

submitted by GNC, Newtown

Until recently, it’s been a mystery why the French, with their high-fat diets, have comparatively lower rates of heart disease.  Scientists now suspect that the answer lies in the red wine consumed by the French – specifically the resveratrol found in that wine.

Abundant in the skins of red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries and nuts, resveratrol was created by plants to aid in survival. It helps them respond to stressors such as pest infestation and adverse weather conditions. Experts now believe resveratrol might perform the same function in humans, helping postpone the onset of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Chemicals in resveratrol are believed to “switch on” a certain gene, which controls the rate of aging. This could lead to lower insulin levels, reduced blood pressure and an increase in HDL or “good” cholesterol.

In mice, resveratrol has actually doubled muscular endurance, lowered LDL or “bad” cholesterol and suppressed colon cancer. Also, researchers at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore have found this compound to help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation of the heart. In addition, it positively impacted both the structure and function of bones and helped improve motor function and balance.

Resveratrol’s potential benefits go far beyond defying age. Some studies indicate it could inhibit the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines including breast, prostate, stomach and colon. Other studies have revealed strong anti-viral properties, particularly with respect to herpes simplex and influenza.

Daily consumption of resveratrol may also reduce body fat levels by preventing the formation of fat tissue suggests a new study in rats.  More human studies are being done with this supplement. The results should be interesting.

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Don’t get defensive, stay balanced in retirement

November 30, 2011 By

submitted by Michael Garry, CFP®, JD/MBA, Yardley Wealth Management, LLC

Given some fears of a renewed recession, investors may wonder about the merits of a more “defensive” posture for their portfolio. To see if that made sense, Vanguard calculated the historical returns of a balanced 50% equity/50% bond portfolio under recessions and expansions. 

They found that the average real returns of such a portfolio since 1926 have been statistically equivalent regardless of whether the U.S. economy was expanding or in a recession. That portfolio allocation is pretty close to the one that most of our clients have adopted by retirement.   

Although the results may seem counterintuitive, Vanguard wrote that this “similarity in average real returns has occurred because of two typical market patterns: first, the tendency for bonds to outperform stocks during the initial period of economic weakness (a “flight-to-safety” effect), and second, the tendency for stock prices to decline before a recession officially occurs and to rise before it officially ends (a “leading indicator” effect).”

As we have seen these daily 200-point moves on the Dow, you will notice that whichever way the market is heading, that is how the other news is typically presented. If the market is down, the headline is awful and the next five stories are negative. If the market is up, you’d think things were rosy. Somehow the headline and all of those same stories have turned positive. 

Of course, the truth is usually somewhere between the extremes. Balanced, diversified portfolios are also usually between the extremes.  While stock indices and commodities bounce all over the place, most balanced portfolios are much less volatile. 

While our portfolios still move around more than we’d like at times, its much less than what you’d think from watching the news or reading the paper.  

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How often do I need to review my estate plan?

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Rosemary G. Caligiuri, CASL™, President, Harvest Group Financial Services

Although there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when you should review your estate plan, the following suggestions may be of some help:

  • You should review your estate plan immediately after a major life event;
  • You’ll probably want to do a quick review each year because changes in the economy and in the tax code often occur on a yearly basis;
  • You’ll want to do a more thorough review every five years.

Reviewing your estate plan will not only give you peace of mind, but will also alert you to any other changes that need to be addressed. There will be times when you’ll need to make changes to your plan to ensure that it still meets all of your goals. For example, an executor, trustee, or guardian may change his or her mind about serving in that capacity, and you’ll need to name someone else.

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Buying NOW makes sense! Here’s why…

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Kathleen Layton, Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors – Newtown Office

On the fence between waiting until the economy strengthens or buying a home now? The following facts may help you jump off and into your dream home:

  • You can buy more home today with the same payments.  A principal and interest payment of $1230 gets you a $250,000 mortgage at 4.25%. That same payment only gets you a $220,000 loan at 5.25% and a $200,000 loan at 6.25%;
  • Along that same vein, that $250,000 mortgage, which costs $1230 at 4.25%, costs $1381 or $1800 more per year at 5.25% and $1539 or $3708 more per year at 6.25%.

If you’re a move-up buyer, you may be thinking that it makes sense to wait until the economy recovers so your current home may be worth more.
WRONG! If your current home is worth $200,000 now and appreciates 2% in five years, it will be worth $220,731. If your move-up home is worth $350,000 now and appreciates at the same rate, it will be worth $386,427. Waiting five years could cost you $15,696 in additional costs, without factoring in the impact of what would surely be a higher interest rate.

Well, what if prices continue to fall, you say? No one can predict the future, and the only way you know when the market has bottomed out is when it’s on its way back. The big difference is that by then, everyone has figured out that the market – and interest rates – has begun to rebound.
Then the dynamics start to shift from a buyers market and the advantage is lost.  The bottom line? Get off the fence!

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Taking Coenzyme Q10? Make the switch to ubiquinol

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Today, millions of people around the world take CoQ10 for improved heart function, as well as better overall health.

However more and more health-savvy adults are switching to ubiquinol. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this increasingly popular supplement:

What is Ubiquinol? Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10. Your body produces conventional CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, in every cell of the body and then converts it into ubiquinol.

What is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol? Ubiqinone and ubiquinol are both forms of CoQ10, and both are necessary to produce cellular energy. Over the past three decades, CoQ10 has been recognized for its benefits to general health and wellness as well as cardiovascular and neurological health. However, in order to achieve these benefits, the body must convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol. Without this conversion, the body’s energy process cannot be completed and energy levels cannot be sustained.

What specific role does ubiquinol play in our overall health? Ubiquinol is the key component in 95% of the body’s cellular energy. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the heart and other organs from free radical damage, helping them to function at their best.

Why does supplementing with ubiquinol become more important as we age? As a healthy 20-year-old, you readily produce all of the CoQ10 you can use and efficiently convert into ubiquinol. However, age and other factors can hinder the body’s ability to produce and metabolize CoQ10. This decline becomes apparent as we reach our mid 30′s.

What are the benefits to statin users? Cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins deplete your body’s natural production of CoQ10. This can result in fatigue and chronic muscle aches and pains.

It is wise to ask your health practitioner which form would be the best one for you.

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The many health benefits of probiotics

October 4, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. They are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring flora in the intestinal tract, maintaining the proper balance “good” and “bad” bacteria. This delicate balance can be adversely affected by the use of antibiotics, resulting in an overabundance of yeast in the digestive tract. Other factors inhibiting the growth of good bacteria are the consumption of excess alcohol, stress, poor diet and exposure to toxic substances.

Studies of probiotic supplementation suggest a wide range of health benefits:

MANAGING LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: Since probiotics help convert lactose to lactic acid, their ingestion may help lactose intolerant individuals tolerate dairy products more easily. If you are lactose intolerant, be sure to purchase a lactose free product.

CHOLESTEROL LOWERING: Animal studies have demonstrated probiotics’ ability to break down bile in the intestinal tract, inhibiting its re-absorption. This can help lower serum cholesterol levels.

PREVENTION OF COLON CANCER: In laboratory investigations, probiotics have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme that generates carcinogens in the digestive tract. Lower rates of colon cancer among those who consume higher levels of fermented dairy products have been observed in some population studies.

LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE: Several clinical trials have shown that consumption of milk fermented with various strains of probiotics can result in modest reductions in blood pressure. It is believed that this is due to ACE inhibitor-like peptides produced during fermentation.

IMPROVING IMMUNE FUNCTION: Probiotics are thought to have a positive effect on immune function by protecting against harmful pathogens. There is also evidence that they might increase the number of natural killer cells.

Finally, preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation with probiotics can help prevent respiratory tract infections; decrease the severity and duration of rotavirus infections; prevent the re-occurrences of inflammatory bowel disease and aid in the absorption of trace minerals.

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Amazing Sea Buckthorn: Hair, skin and nails – plus much more!

August 30, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Sea Buckthorn, a nutritional supplement recently recommended by Dr. Oz, has been used medicinally in Asia and Europe for centuries.  It is especially known for its ability to make the hair shine, help the nails grow, and improve the quality of the skin.

When taken internally it is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, specifically reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes.  Conditions such as constipation, acid reflux and some other gastric disorders may be assisted by this herb, according to Dr. Oz.  Only one other food, macadamia nuts, contains the rare Omega 7 (palmitoleic acid) that is found in Sea Buckthorn.

My personal experience with this herb has been quite amazing.  At my annual GNC show I picked up some samples of the skin care products.  I began to use them and after a few days I noticed a distinct improvement in the texture and softness of my skin.  I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised and I will continue to be a dedicated user of the products.

I had not heard of this herb before Dr. Oz recommended it and explained the many benefits Sea Buckthorn.  I have found a company who makes an incredible line of products, beautifully packaged and reasonably priced.  I have sold the line to several customers and their experience is consistent with mine. These are great skin products!

This product line consists of a body lotion, hydrating serum (absorbs immediately into the skin), day and night cream, eye cream, facial cleanser (my favorite ever!) and a facial bar.  Also, they carry softgel capsules and a liquid that can be taken internally that tastes quite good.  The concentrated organic seed oil is also available and is useful for certain skin conditions like rosacea and eczema.

So if you are looking for a great skin care line that also benefits hair and nails, check these products out.

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Chronic inflammation: What you can do about it

August 2, 2011 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

Inflammation is the precursor for most, if not all, degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Recent clinical studies have shown several dietary supplements to be effective in treating chronic or systemic inflammation, and many of these are gaining popularity among health conscious consumers.

Here are some products you should consider given their potent anti-inflammatory properties:

TURMERIC – Recent research indicates that turmeric is an effective treatment for inflammation. It is as effective as some prescribed medications including hydrocortisone, without the usual side effects;

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS – These supplements are extremely anti-inflammatory and play an important role in the rebuilding and production of new cells. This makes omega-3′s a wise choice for a variety of conditions including arthritis, asthma, heart disease and cognitive impairment;

BROMELAIN – This is a popular enzyme found in pineapple. In a variety of studies, it has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body. When combined with vitamin C and a bioflavanoid known as quercitin, bromelain can exhibit a strong antihistamine-like effect helpful in treating many allergic responses;

RESVERATROL – This is a powerful antioxidant found in grapes, red wine, peanuts and some berries. Researchers have found that resveratrol reduces inflammation by suppressing prostaglandins – hormone-like substances which cause pain. Resveratrol also has been found to decrease the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, which is linked to pain and inflammation throughout the body.

ASTAXANTHIN – This deep red- colored phytonutrient synthesized by microalgea is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. It neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body resulting in a significant reduction in inflammation;

L-CARNITINE – This is an amino acid derivative normally present in meat and dairy products. Various clinical studies have shown l-carnitine to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect particularly with respect to the intestinal tract. It has been shown to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with Crohn’s and other gastrointestinal diseases.

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Don’t believe everything you read, especially when it comes to the real estate market

July 13, 2011 By

submitted by Kathleen Layton, Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors – Newtown Office

The national media has done it once again – used a wide brush to paint a picture of the current real estate market for the entire country. The latest Case Shiller Home Price Index seems to indicate a return of housing prices to pre-2000 levels.  What they fail to disclose is that the data used comes from the hardest hit areas – places like Detroit, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Atlanta, to name a few.

Here’s what you don’t hear, not even from our local news media – Philadelphia is NOT included in the Case Shiller composite index that is released to the press and prices in our area are NOT at the 2000 level.  Actually, prices in their report for the Philadelphia area – which includes Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties – are up 71% since 2000 and down 7.15% since the peak in 2007.

I guess that information isn’t nearly as interesting to talk about as what’s happening in Vegas.  Or Phoenix.  Or in the entire state of Florida.

Don’t they know that there’s no national market when it comes to real estate?  That, like the weather, each market has a local forecast?  That’s not to say that we’re not in the midst of an incredibly difficult market. We are.  But I think it’s important to note that in our neck of the woods, the sky is not yet falling and housing remains a sound investment. There’s no national real estate data – just like the weather, real estate is local.

I just wish the talking heads would put things in perspective when blathering away.

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