Stretches for Lower Back Pain

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

Stretches for Lower Back Pain - Massage Therapy

Lower back pain is an extremely annoying and disrupting factor that could stop us from completing our daily tasks at any given point in time. This is precisely why we should try to prevent it, by embracing a workout routine that includes stretches for lower back pain. These simple physical exercises are fun, enable us to stay in excellent shape, and provide important health benefits.

Choosing the Right Program for You

There are three main categories of exercise routines designed to fight or prevent lower back pain: an initial program, an intermediate one, and an advanced exercise program. Choose the best one for you based on your physical condition. Set realistic goals to avoid muscle fever and frustration.

The Initial Exercise Program

This first phase includes simple exercises, like for instance:

Ankle pumps: lie on your back, relax, and just gently move your ankles up and down. Repeat this exercise at least 10 times.

Heel slides: while resting on your back, bend, and afterwards straighten both knees at a time. Repeat this exercise at least 10 times.

Also, do a full set of 10 abdominal contractions, 10 heel raises, and 10 straight leg raises to complete the initial program.

The Intermediate Program

This second phase will help you prevent lower back pain in a highly effective manner. It includes knee-to-chest stretches, hamstring stretches, and simple exercises with a Swiss ball.

You can lie over the ball, place it between your lower back and a wall, and sit on it while raising your arms over your head. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t overstress your lower back.

The Advanced Program

The last phase includes more complex exercises like hip flexor stretches, “piriformis” stretches, and lumbar stabilization stretches that require the utilization of your Swiss ball.

Ask an Expert

Can’t say for sure which types of stretches for lower back pain would be more suitable for you? In this case, rely on pertinent advice provided by a massage therapy specialist. Find the best ones in your area with Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professionals in your area.

Use Computer on TV

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

Use Computer on TV - Computer Repair

These days, most people choose to invest in sophisticated devices like HDTVs with a sleek design and a bright, wide screen or super intelligent computers designed to simplify their work. If you want to make a great presentation but can’t rely on a good projector, you could easily use computer on TV. It’s actually easier than you might think; all you have to do is to follow a few simple steps.

If, for one reason or another, you can’t use your TV screen as a projector, don’t hesitate to ask for expert guidance and schedule an appointment with your computer repair expert.

How to Use Computer on TV

1. Check the display settings of your computer to see if you could use the TV screen as your new monitor.

2. See whether or not the video card of your computer supports a connection with your HDTV.

3. See what type of connectors you have on your computer and on your TV set. Most computers are equipped with DVI, HDMI, or VGA connectors.

4. Afterward, notice which type of connector is available on both devices. If you have more than 1 option at hand, go in favor of the one guaranteeing a superior video quality. Obviously, 2 VGA ports will require a VGA cable, 2 DVI ports will require a DVI cable, and so on.

5. Connect the computer to your TV set, using your VGA, DVI, HDMI, or S-VIDEO cable.

6. In the end, remember to modify the image displayed on your TV screen to make it fit perfectly on your new TV monitor.

Ask an Expert

As long as you follow the steps described above, you should be able to use computer on TV without encountering any problems. If you have any unanswered questions related to this topic, contact a well-trained computer repair expert operating in your area. Identify the best one in minutes by consulting Seva Call, a free service designed to connect you with dependable professionals in your area.

How to Repair Column Base

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

How to Repair Column Base - Handyman

Older houses with wood porches often share a common problem – rotting porch columns or column base. The degree of rot or dry rot may vary from column to column but it is often found around the base, within a foot up the ground. Dampness around the base of porch columns, which leads to rotting, typically occurs due to the following:

– Clogged downspouts in the gutter, which causes rainwater to flow over the gutter and straight onto your porch instead

– Lush vegetation around the perimeter of the porch, which transports rainwater and excessive moisture onto your porch

– The deck is not sloped properly and water is not draining away from the columns adequately

Before you attempt any repair column base rot should be inspected first to identify what is causing it. Get rid of or resolve the source of water damage (i.e. clear out clogged downspout) to permanently stop moisture from saturating the base of the porch columns. This will ensure that after repair, column base moisture problems will not start again.

Repair Steps

1. Identify the extent of damage.

Locate the areas of the porch columns and/or base that are rotted by gently prodding them with a sharp tool. If the tool is able to penetrate the wooden surface with almost no effort, that surface is already rotted. Mark the surface a few inches higher than the rotted section.

2. Put up temporary support.                     

During repair, prop up the porch roof or any load being carried by the columns by installing temporary shores.

3. Remove damaged structures.

Saw off the rotted post following the mark you made earlier. Measure the length of the column splice from the point of the saw cut to the deck.

4. Build the splice.

Use treated lumber, nails, and screws to construct the column splice. Fasteners should be countersunk to allow patching up later once the splice has been installed.

5. Install new decking as necessary.

Replace old and rotted wood decking to ensure a strong foundation for the columns. Consider installing durable composite decking.

6. Put in the column splice.

Insert the splice into the hollow area of the column with a generous application of waterproof glue to its interior piece and then slide in the outer piece. When the splice is already in position, let go of the interior piece so that it falls into place.

Fasten the splice and the existing column to the interior piece with screws. Fasten the underside of the splice to the decking also with screws.

7. Perform final touch-ups.

Take down the shoring once the glue has fully cured. Sand the splice and fill in gaps and screw holes with a wood putty filler. Re-sand, prime, and paint the column  anew.

Rely on Expert Skills

Expert construction skills are necessary to repair a porch column base. Fortunately, Seva Call knows how to find qualified service professionals whenever they are needed. Let us help you now!

Painting with Acrylic Enamel House Paint

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Painting with Acrylic Enamel House Paint - Painters

Acrylic enamel or acrylic enamel paint is a water-based paint that uses acrylic as the binding ingredient to create the paint film. This paint is durable, non-yellowing, and resists chipping. It works well on shiny or slick substrates such as glass and car exteriors, which is why it is often used for automobile painting. It is also used to paint a variety of materials from metal, steel, and aluminum to pipes and fencing.

When dry, acrylic enamel gives a semi-gloss or gloss sheen. It has minimal odor and dries quickly, although unevenly, sometimes with noticeable brushstrokes. It’s also not as great for sanding as oil-based enamel paint. Acrylic enamel house paint is ideal for painting doors, windows, and woodwork trims. It’s easy to cleanup with just water and soap. Acrylic enamel house paint has numerous color options to choose from and it comes in cans, aerosol sprays, and tubes. Usually, paint jobs that use this paint will only need one coat.

How to Paint with Acrylic Enamel House Paint:

1. First, the surface to be painted must be prepped. It must be cleaned, de-greased, and sanded. A clean and dry surface will give the best painting results.

2. Once the surface is ready, spray it over with a high-quality primer, which serves as a sealer. It also eliminates the need for a second coating.

3. For this job, choose a quality paintbrush that has firm but flexible bristles.

4. Work in small sections, applying paint heavily to the surface. As the paint dries, it will level out. Make sure not to paint over an area if it’s already in the process of drying because the paint will smudge and the finish will be ruined.

5. Let the paint dry overnight. Acrylic enamel house paint can sometimes appear already dry but give at least 24 hours before touching it.

As a word of caution, don’t forget to put on a protective mask so you don’t inhale toxic paint fumes. Never work with acrylic enamel paint when you’re in an enclosed room.

Hire a Pro Painter

Let a professional painter take care of your house painting job. Seva Call offers a free service that will connect you with up to three reliable professional painters in your area, so all that’s left for you to do is choose the best contractor. What a time-saver! Try us now.

Wood Stove Cost

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Wood Stove Cost - Heating and Cooling

Are you flirting with the idea of purchasing and installing a wood stove? Numerous people are tempted to do the same thing, taking into consideration that wood is a carbon-neutral, widely available resource.

Should you worry about the wood stove cost or is this actually a factor that would encourage you to buy the latest model available on the market? Keep reading to find out.

The Main Reasons Why People Rely on Wood Stoves

These days, when oil and petroleum-based fuels burn deep holes in your pockets, many homeowners turn to wood and wood pellets to heat up their indoor spaces. However, cost-efficiency isn’t the only advantage offered by modern wood stoves. These appliances enable users to:

– Save a considerable amount of money (up to $500 dollars per year, according to recent studies)

– Benefit from a higher level of comfort

– Go green, by relying on a eco-friendlier heating alternative

– Beautify their living space and turn the coldest room into a friendly, warm, and inviting environment

Estimating the Cost of a Wood Stove

These days, potential buyers have the chance to choose from numerous appealing models of energy-efficient stoves that display different features and different price tags. Even those with limited financial possibilities can find great options in their price range.

For instance, a  small wood stove with a blower that can heat up indoor spaces with a total surface under 1.500 square feet can cost you only a little over $700.

Luxurious models with a superior heating capacity, made from cast iron carry heavier price tags (approximately $3,000). All in all, the best thing that you can do is to shop around. You’ll find plenty of appealing, energy-efficient models below $1,500.

Ask an Expert

Can’t determine the ideal heating capacity that should be displayed by the best wood stove for your home? Don’t know how to evaluate the relationship between the wood stove price and its actual quality?

In this case, eliminate your doubts by consulting a heating and cooling expert. Find the best ones in your area with Seva Call, a free service implemented to connect you with reputable professionals in just minutes.

Building Outdoor Patios

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Building Outdoor Patios - Landscapers

Most homeowners with average DIY skills and lots of spare time on their hands think that building outdoor patios is fairly easy. After all, you don’t have to be an experienced landscaper to attain your goal.

You just have to purchase the best materials, check out some online tutorials, and start pursuing your design ideas. Keep reading to discover a few important elements that you should factor in before giving the green light to your project.

Materials

If you are truly determined to create a unique, beautiful outdoor patio, choose to invest in high-quality materials that are actually suitable for this job. Put stone, gravel, sand, and concrete on your shopping list. Measure the entire area to find out how much material you’ll need to finalize your project.

Design Requirements

Do you want to create a round patio or a rectangular one? What kind of shapes, colors, and design ideas impress you the most? Analyze your design requirements before investing time and money in this assignment.

Timeframe

How many hours per day can you dedicate to this home improvement project? Can you count on dependable helper,s or should you hire a professional landscaper to get the job done in a timely manner?

Costs

How much money can you actually afford to invest in your new outdoor patio? If you have limited financial possibilities, note that a basic concrete patio is always much cheaper than a similar structure made of tile, brick, or stone.

Concrete patios with a simple design will cost you up to $10 per square foot. Outdoor patios made of the same material, displaying a custom design are priced at $10-15 per square foot. High-end concrete patios created while following elaborate design ideas cost over $15 per square foot.

Ask an Expert

Building outdoor patios can be a rewarding experience for many people. If you are not one of those homeowners who likes to put their DIY skills to the test, choose to hire a competent landscaper for this assignment. Find the most reliable one with Seva Call, a free service introduced to help you track the best specialists in your area with just a few clicks.

Hurricane Window Shutters

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Hurricane Window Shutters - Window Replacement

There are many ways to protect your house or office from a potential storm or hurricane. Which is the best option is up to you, depending on your budget and the level of protection you want. Hurricane window shutters come in many forms and materials, and they not only reduce the damage that might be caused by a hurricane, but also increase the security of your house.

Here are some types of hurricane window shutters that you might want to consider.

Protect Your House against Hurricanes with Panels

Storm panels are an affordable way to protect your home against hurricanes. They are typically made of aluminum or metal. There are also polycarbonate panels, which are more expensive. Storm panels are installed temporarily, after a storm forecast, and then they can be removed.

Storm Glass Hurricane Protection

This is an effective, yet pricey method to protect your home against hurricanes, especially if your house is older, because it might require window replacement. Also, installation is difficult, and it is advisable to be done by an expert.

Bahama Hurricane Window Shutters

These hurricane window shutters can be used both as a protection against storms and hurricanes, and against the sun. Once installed, you can enjoy their benefits throughout the year, regardless of the season.

Accordion Hurricane Window Shutters

These shutters fold like an accordion, so when you don’t need them, you can leave your windows exposed. They are typically made of aluminum, and work with the help of a gliding mechanism. One of their drawbacks is that this gliding device can break, and needs to be replaced in order to operate the shutters.

Roll Down Hurricane Shutters

This type of hurricane shutters is one of the most effective ways to protect your windows against storms and hurricanes, but it’s also costly. Some of the latest models are automated. They can be lowered by simply pushing a button. Besides hurricane protection, these shutters can also discourage burglars from breaking in.

Need Assistance?

Not sure which hurricane window shutters are best for your property? Seva Call can assist you. We can put you in touch with a local expert who can help you choose the right type of shutters for your home, and install them right away.

Setting High Expectations in Baton Rouge

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Setting High Expectations in Baton Rouge - Seva Call

Anyone who speaks French will know that Baton Rouge (or le baton rouge) roughly translates to “the red stick”. Baton Rouge got its name in 1699 when a French explorer was exploring the Mississippi and saw a reddish cypress pole that marked the boundary between two different Native American Tribes.

Baton Rouge has come a long way since then. It’s now the capital city of Louisiana, a major port city on the coast of one of the longest rivers in the world, and has a strong economy which has it ranked as one of the “Best Places for Young Adults”.

High Expectations in Baton Rouge

As the state capitol with the tallest capitol building in the U.S., Baton Rouge residents have sky-scraping expectations for its local service professionals.

And, they very well should.

When searching for a roofer, plumber, or auto mechanic, you deserve the best service available. But, you don’t have time to waste searching online and talking to sham companies on the phone just so that they can tell you they can’t do your job or don’t service your area.

Now there’s Seva Call. Watch this video to see how Seva Call can connect you with the best service professionals in Baton Rouge.

Find the Right Professionals

Next time you’re in trouble, go online or give us a call. Tell us the problem – leaky roof, leaky pipes, leaky exhaust – and we will find the top-rated professional to do the job at your utmost convenience. Whether you need the job done in the next few hours or the next few days, we guarantee we can put you on the phone with a professional in minutes.

It’s fast, easy, convenient, and completely free. No more paying to read customer reviews, no subscription fees, and no reason for companies to hike up prices!

Mobile Vehicle Repairs

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Mobile Vehicle Repairs - Auto Repair

Mobile vehicle repairs give drivers an alternative to taking their car to an auto shop when it breaks down. If you have problems with your vehicle and need to fix them quickly, a mobile mechanic can help you out. This way you don’t have to spend time scheduling an appointment at an auto repair center and waiting for several days or more until your car is returned.

What Kind of Repairs Can a Mobile Mechanic Perform?

A mobile mechanic can fix all sorts of problems your vehicle might have, which don’t require more complex tools or parts that are difficult to replace outside of an auto repair shop. If you discover one day that the engine makes strange noises or if your car won’t start, you can opt for mobile vehicle repairs as a fast and effective way to solve your problem. Some of the repairs that can be completed by a mobile mechanic include:

– Brake replacement

– Starter check

– Alternator repair

– Carburetor repair

– Motor oil replacement

– Tire change

– Water pump repair

– Piston repair

– Air conditioning check and repair

– Alternator repair

– Suspension system repair

– Filter replacement

– Transmission problems

– Radiator troubleshooting

– Engine repairs

What Does a Mobile Mechanic Do?

If you call a mobile mechanic to repair your car, your vehicle will be treated with the same care and attention as an auto repair shop.

First, the mobile mechanic will inspect your car and diagnose potential problems, and then he will communicate to you what needs to be done. If you agree with the repairs, the mobile mechanic will get down to work, so that you can get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.

If your car needs a more thorough inspection or if the repairs involve more time, labor, and resources, the mobile mechanic can take your vehicle to an auto repair shop, and then return it back to you when it’s ready. However, reliable mobile vehicle repair services have the necessary equipment to fix most common car problems.

Mobile mechanics are specially trained to complete repairs on-site, in a quick and effective manner.

Need a Mobile Mechanic?

It may be difficult to find a trustworthy mobile mechanic at short notice — unless you use Seva Call. We can connect you with experienced local professionals in minutes, for free!

Moving House: the Stress Free Packing Guide

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Moving House: the Stress Free Packing Guide - Moving and Storage

Moving house can be a very stressful time for everyone, so it is important to try and make it as smooth as possible. It is especially important to avoid this stress before you have even began to move your belongings, and this means to ensure you are packing effectively.

Here are some handy hints to ensure that packing goes as stress free as possible!

Your Handy, Stress Free Packing Guide

Ensure that you are not leaving anything to the last minute whatsoever! It is incredibly important when packing to not leave yourself too short for time and therefore hurrying to get everything ready and finished in time. This can lead to carelessness when you are packing your belongings for the move and can often be the catalyst for your own belongings getting damaged.

Use reliable and effective containers and boxes to store your belongings in. It is easy to acquire strong and reliable boxes and containers from shops which are also useful and efficient for storing items in when packing to move house. Look to use reliable and recommended brands that fit the sizes that you will require to pack your things into.

Try to avoid using containers that you think might be strong enough to hold your belongings. It is important that they are secure when being transported. Removal services may also offer containers and boxes that can be used if you are using one of them.

Make sure that containers and boxes are clearly labelled. Clearly labelled containers and boxes allow you to be able to find the things that you are going to need first when you are unpacking your belongings into your new home.

Use packing as an opportunity to streamline some of your possessions and belongings. Often when beginning to pack for a move, you realize that you have many more possessions than you initially thought. This is a great chance to be able to streamline some of these things. Be it an old t-shirt that is faded and doesn’t fit anymore, or house ornaments that you just don’t use, moving is a chance to be able to send these unwanted items to charity shops.

You should really assess whether these items have any sentimental value at all or whether you may actually use them again before deciding what should  go. It also creates less for you to unpack at the other side!

Ask for a few  favors! Packing is definitely an opportunity to use any favors that you may be owed to help speed along the process, and make use of friends and family who can help you with your upcoming move. Often, people are more than willing to join you in your mountains of packing. It is a lot easier with 5 pairs of hands compared to just one!

Preparing for a Smooth Move

Remember that packing is just the first part off your move, so it is important that it goes smoothly. These simple tips should allow you the opportunity to be able to do that, as well as decreasing your stress levels greatly. Happy packing people!

Guest post granted on behalf of: http://www.manandvan.org/east-london/manwithavan-e8-hackney-removals.html