When you suspect that a loved one is dealing with addiction, it can be hard to know what to do. Not only can it be hard to tell for sure if they’re truly struggling with something, but you may also feel unsure about what you should do to help them. If you have a loved one who you think may need the help of a recovery house MD here are a couple of things to look out for.

They’ve Become Withdrawn

One of the primary signs that a loved one is struggling with an addiction is that they’ve become withdrawn. Sometimes, withdrawing can be nothing, or it could be a sign of a separate issue, like depression or stress. However, it is also one of the first signs that your loved one has an addiction that they are trying to hide.

Their Habits Have Changed

Yet another common sign that your loved one may be struggling with an addiction of some kind is that their habits have changed drastically within a short time frame. If someone you know who always used to be tidy and punctual has become slovenly and is frequently late or blowing off important things in their life, it could be a sign that their addiction has gotten out of control and is having a negative impact on their life.

Bottom Line

If you are noticing these signs in a loved one, reaching out may be a good idea. It is important, though, to be careful about how you do so. While the reality is that they may need help badly, if you approach them with an attitude of judgement, it may cause them to avoid you and your help even more. By being compassionate and letting them know that you’ll be there when or if they need you, you can increase the likelihood that they will reach out to you when they’re ready.

This year’s storm season has been brutal in America. Wildfires, hurricanes and floods have battered much of the country. If your home or property is affected, cleaning up after the devastation can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to make huge jobs a bit more manageable.

Prioritize

First, attend to anything that affects your health or safety. Look for power lines that may have become loose. A rotten egg smell may signify a gas leak. Avoid contact with standing water which may be polluted with hazardous materials. When you first enter a building, wear a hard hat until you are sure it is structurally sound.

Second, look your home over from top to bottom. Contact a residential roofing St Louis professional to inspect your roof and make any repairs necessary. Check walls for cracks, holes or other damage. Make sure doors and windows close completely; examine seals that may be compromised or torn.

Lastly, examine the foundation of your home. If you have a basement, inspect the walls and floors as well as the steps leading downstairs. There should be no cracks or signs of moisture. If you have a crawl space, you may prefer to have a professional do the inspection, rather than attempting to navigate around ducts and pipes yourself. Slab foundations can be a challenge, but be sure to examine the perimeter looking for weak spots and crumbling corners.

Gather Materials

Once you know what needs to be done, gather the necessary equipment, tools and gear. Leave the dangerous tasks and big jobs to the professionals, but tackle the smaller chores yourself. Use heavy garden gloves, long pants, rubber boots and safety glasses when cleaning up downed fences and other yard debris. Do not touch anything that may be in contact with a power line or sewer pipe.

It is essential to have help when you lift heavy or bulky items such as large tree limbs. Friends and neighbors may be willing to work with you on your property if you return the favor. Use power tools such as chainsaws with caution. Always have someone standing by in case of an emergency.

Take Breaks

You are doing hard physical labor, often in adverse weather. Working for hours at a time in hot, humid conditions can lead to dehydration. Inhaling soot and fire retardant may make breathing difficult. Even if the weather is fine, you may be dealing with emotional trauma over the destruction of your home. Set a timer and take at least one five-minute break each hour. During the break, drink water and stretch. Remember that your well-being is more important than any of the possessions you may have lost.

Finding an ideal apartment depends on a person’s preferences and tastes. Luck enough, people do not have to walk around looking for that ideal apartment. The internet has plenty of opportunities through which one can get their preferred apartment, first by looking at descriptions and photos, and then by choosing to take a tour and talk to an agent.

If an individual is looking for an apartment that will provide them with an environment similar to a warm and cozy home, apartments that are relatively new or recently renovated are a great idea. Such apartments for rent in independence mo provide residents with modern touches and features that suit their lifestyle.

The best part about looking at apartment options is that an individual gets to choose one that best suits their preferences. The choice depends on the size of the family or people that intend to live there. Given the variety of available choices, people can easily pick an apartment that suits their needs.

Private park apartments are suitable for pet lovers. In most cases, landlords do not allow individuals to live with pets in the rental apartments. Therefore, if a person can get an apartment that allows them to love with their pets, it turns out to be their best choice. Private park apartments are the ideal choice since they provide enough space for people to walk their pets. For instance, a house with a dog trail is convenient for individuals that own dogs.

Nothing feels better other than for an individual waking up in their private apartment. The main reason why people look for such apartments is their love for privacy. If the apartment has modern finishes, it turns out to be an added advantage since a substantial number of people love such designs. However, this does not mean that all private apartments have the same finishes. There are a variety of apartments with different types of finishes that an individual can choose from. The bottom line is for the resident to be comfortable living in such an apartment.

Therefore, if an individual prefers to live in private park apartments east side Manhattan, they can easily get one that suits their preferences. An individual only needs to specify the apartment’s size, and they will be given plenty of options to choose from. Looking for an apartment across the internet allows individuals to save on time and still get their most preferred apartment.

One of the most common ways a house can get damaged is because of water. Whether because of bad plumbing, burst pipes, flooding, excessive rain or snow, humidity or anything else, water damage is something you need to be prepared for. On top of that, the basement of your home is typically the most vulnerable to water damage because it’s below ground and water will find it’s way into cracks in the foundation. Nearly every basement experiences some form of water damage at some point.

Because of the basement’s vulnerability to water, it’s important to be proactive about your home safety. The best way you can do that is through basement waterproofing Toronto. Read on to find out some of the major benefits of waterproofing your basement.

Prevents Flooding

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s also the most important. If seepage gets through cracks in your basement, it can lead to structural damage, mold growth or worse. Performing simple waterproofing techniques like sealing foundational cracks and installing a drainage system and sump pump can be the difference in avoiding basement floods.

Can Reduce Insurance Costs

Nearly 20% of all insurance claims on homes arise because of water damage. When water damages more than just the foundation and seeps into the wood, drywall and other materials, the price of the claim can go way, way up. This water damage can occur because of torrential rains and storms or it could just be from a slow, unassuming leak. Despite how it occurs, waterproofing your basement will help to prevent flooding in either instance and will save you a heap of money when it comes to insurance claims.

Can Reduce Cooling and Heating Costs

When humidity gets into your home air, your HVAC system has to work double-time in order to cool or heat your home. When more energy is expelled in performing the same actions, you can expect the cost of your energy bill to rise sharply. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy says humidity can raise the bill by as much as 10-15%. When you’ve waterproofed your basement, humidity stays low and cooling and heating stay efficient.

Prevents Structural Damage

When edges of walls where flooring and wall materials meet get wet, significant structural damage can occur. This could even be so bad as to buckle walls or threaten the integrity of your home. Rather than taking a chance on potentially life-threatening structural damage, it can be beneficial to take preventative measures and waterproof your basement instead.

When it comes to childcare, you have several options. You can place your kids in after-school programs or let them stay with friends or family members. Another popular option is to hire a nanny. This person will babysit your kids while you are at work and may even perform light cleaning duties so you don’t have to do it when you get home. Although this option may be expensive, it is often preferable because it provides your kids with stability. However, it is also important to choose the right person since you will need to trust the nanny you hire. Here are three ways you can find a good nanny.

Use a Hiring Service

There are many services available that match you with good candidates for your nannying position. Many of these platforms allow you to input your preferences and match you with candidates that meet your criteria. As a bonus, all candidates on these platforms have already undergone extensive vetting and comprehensive background checks so you know they are trustworthy.

Ask for Recommendations

If you have friends that use nannies or have employed them in the past, you should start asking for references. Your friends may know of a good nanny looking for work. They may even know of a nanny they have worked with in the past so they can give you a personal recommendation. While most nannies can provide you with references when they interview for the position, you may be more comfortable hiring someone with a personal connection to someone you know.

Hire Someone You Know

You may not be comfortable allowing a stranger into your home to care for your children. While you may not know any nannies, you may know of people who would be great babysitters and are looking for work. You may have some friends who are stay-at-home moms and are willing to bring your kids into their homes every day. If you’re searching for childcare during the summer, you may know of some college students who are out of school and would love to make some extra money. If you look hard enough, you can probably find someone you already know who would take great care of your kids.

There are several ways to find a nanny. While you still need to make sure your chosen candidate is on board with your job expectations and gets along well with your kids, you can probably find the perfect person for the job in one of these three ways.

If you’ve signed up for a craft coffee subscription, you’re most likely a coffee connoisseur. You don’t settle for basic beans; instead, you’ve opened your pallet up to the richest, most diverse drinks coffee has to offer. If you’re looking to stay up with what’s trending in the coffee world, here are the top three drinks taking the world by storm in 2020.

1. Snapchilled Coffee

If you’re a fan of iced coffee and cold brew, get ready for something new to add to your menu. Snapchilled coffee takes the best features from each of these beverages and combines it to create something contemporary. The coffee is brewed hot but immediately snaps into a chilled beverage with certain technology. It creates a flavor profile that’s more mature. It doesn’t take as long to steep like cold brew and isn’t diluted from ice that has to go in iced coffee. It’s pretty much the best of both worlds when it comes to chilled coffee creations.

2. Coffee-Cola Coffee

Some people prefer to get caffeine from soda, and coffee and cola lovers soon won’t have to choose where they get their energy boost. Coffee-cola is just what it sounds like: coffee mixed with soda. It’s going to have double the caffeine of a regular soda and comes in traditional and vanilla flavors. If you’re looking to supplement your coffee with something different, this seems to fit the bill.

3. Coffee Spritzers

Hard alcoholic spritzers have popped up everywhere, and coffee is looking to jump on this trend minus the alcohol. A coffee spritzer is a regular coffee with a splash of seltzer water to give it that fizzy experience so many people love. Don’t be surprised if you burp during your morning meeting if you opt for this unique version of coffee.

Coffee is already one of the most trending items in culture today, but it’s still finding ways to adapt and maintain its relevancy. These three variations of your traditional cup of Joe show just how far black coffee has come and where it still can go.

Many people don’t realize how the decisions that they make within their businesses can create environments that have barriers for others. While accessibility for people with disabilities may not be an issue that is at the top of mind for everyone, you should create accessible spaces because it is the right thing to do, not to mention that they are also afforded federally mandated legal protection. If you want to create a more accessible environment for all, here are some places you should check.

Repairs

Even when your business is accessible, when accessible options fall to disrepair, you can find yourself with an issue. If you find yourself dealing with broken points of entry, make sure that you hire someone to address your automatic door repair New York or other entrances as soon as possible to ensure that everyone can come inside.

Desks and Furniture

Your office furniture is often made for those without disabilities, but think about how the level and height of a desk or reception area can impact someone’s ability to interact. Make sure that you have varied levels of interaction so that your space is open to everyone regardless.

Digital Presence

Many people realize the importance of making physical spaces accessible; however, not everyone considers how digital spaces can also have barriers. Whether users navigate webpages differently, process information in another way or input information in ways dissimilar from yourself, they need to have access to the same information.

Exterior Barriers

While you need to consider the aspects of your company that you can control, you also need to consider how people navigate the space outside of your building. Everything from removing physical blockages, curb cuts and easily navigable spaces can create an inaccessible environment for people with disabilities.

If you truly want to ensure that you have created an environment for all, make sure that you address the barriers that can keep people out and remove those. It is not just your responsibility, but it is the right thing to do.

Anyone who has the desire to create new and impressive items that can be useful to other people can try to invent things. Before rushing off to impress potential investors or customers with the idea, make sure that enough preliminary work has been done first.

1. Build Prototypes

While plenty of ideas look great on paper, in reality, they can be difficult to construct. Materials may not always act in the desired way, things that were supposed to move can freeze, while things that need to remain stationary may bend. Talk to experts and see about having parts built for a prototype. Places that specialize in welding, injection molding services, punching or laser cutting can be invaluable assets during the prototyping process.

2. Investigate Market

Not all inventions are successful, and even those that are may not be practical to sell to customers. Think critically about what sort of people make up the target market for the item being sold. There is a big difference between something that can attract a large group of people and a product that will only appeal to a small niche. No matter how wonderful the invention may be, if there is no market for it then it will not be a profitable item.

3. Consult a Lawyer

Securing a patent can be a lengthy process. It is a good idea to speak with an experienced patent lawyer that specializes in the industry the invention belongs to. Laws differ depending on the product, so do not use a lawyer that is trained in mechanical patents to help with something that is better served by a microbiology patent attorney.

Creating an invention can be exciting and occasionally frustrating, but in the end, it can be very rewarding. Keep trying and do not give up on a good idea just because it did not work out the first time.

The longer your business has operated out of the same commercial space, the easier it is for you to feel bored by your surroundings. While it might not always be in the budget, there is going to come a time when you absolutely need to invest in your space and give it a bit of a refresh. Thankfully, there are several ways to go about this that don’t cost you a small fortune. Take a look at these suggestions and see how you can breathe new life into your commercial space in no time.

Let in More Light

A business that allows natural light to flow in is one that has a wonderful appeal. Studies show that natural light has a way of boosting morale and making people feel happy. Think about your space and where the natural light enters from. If there are few windows, determine whether it is possible to create new points of entry for light. A bit of restructuring can really help flood the space with the maximum amount of light. Painting the walls white or lighter colors when there’s not much natural light can also help make a room feel spacious and airy.

Consider the Floors

The floors in your commercial space take more of a beating than any other feature. A successful company sees countless people pass through its doors in a given week. This means that you have people walking over the floor, scuffing it up with shoes, dropping heavy items, and generally taking away the sparkle. If your floors are made from a quality stone material, then you want to make sure you are properly caring for them. Look into commercial stone care Queens NY and discover how you can add a bit of luster back to your floors.

Change the Overall Flow

Sometimes, moving a few things around a space can work wonders for totally transforming a room’s look and feel. If you don’t have a lot of expendable cash in the budget for renovations, try working with what you’ve already got. Move around the furniture and see if there’s a way to encourage a better flow of operations. Depending on the space, your options might be limited. Still, this can be a wonderful way to encourage a sense of change without committing to a large-scale project.

When it comes to breathing new life into your commercial space, there are several ways to approach the task. Take time to think about your options and see what can be done to invigorate your office.

No matter what industry you work in, safety must be paramount for both employees and customers. As the administrator of your business or facility, there are several important boxes to check in your routine safety assessment, including updating security systems and ensuring automated door safety compliance. However, company-wide safety also stretches beyond these obvious things. Here are some guidelines for creating an effective safety culture in any business.

Find Out What Your Employees Already Know

Even if you have plenty of safety plans in place, do you know how well your employees know how to execute them? Communication is key to building a safety culture, and it’s never a bad thing to do some sort of assessment or drill to find out how well you’ve taught your emergency protocols to the people who will need them most. Even sending out a quick survey can be helpful in pinpointing areas where you can do more. 

Post Important Protocols in Intuitive Areas

Some safety plans are simple and intuitive. Others are not. It’s important to make sure your employees have access to a concise, easy-to-understand outline of a safety protocol right at hand in the areas where they might need them. Some things, like fire escape plans, can be posted in common areas where there is a lot of traffic. Others, such as protocols for dealing with chemical fires, should be available immediately near a work station where this event might occur.

Be the Example

If you are lax about wearing safety gear or following company safety rules, your employees will follow suit. The best way to instill an effective safety culture in your team is to be an example of how to stick to the plan. Encourage employees to practice or review protocols regularly, and be the first to do it yourself.

Listen With an Ear To Improve

One of the best ways to make sure your team is being safe is to build a relationship with the people on the front lines of the work. Help them feel comfortable enough to come to you with concerns or ideas on how to improve safety protocols. Help them know that their perspectives or opinions are important to you, and follow through on any promises to address the issues they present.

Make Safety Your First Concern

The safety of everyone who works in or visits your business is essential. Not only does it prevent damage to equipment or injuries to the people involved, it may also help keep you safe from litigation, bad press, and sleepless nights. Build a culture of safety, starting from the top down.