New guidelines released this past fall by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have changed the way you should be looking at your blood pressure numbers. High blood pressure is now defined as 130/80 and higher, which differs from the older definition of high blood pressure as 140/90 or higher. But, what exactly is blood pressure, and what do these numbers mean? Blood pressure is the pressure blood puts on the walls of blood vessels as it circulates through … [Read more...] about Blood Pressure: Understanding the Numbers
Columnists
Prepping for a Prescott Summer
This is an exciting time of year here in the Quad Cities area. There are so many activities and events that start taking place in and around Prescott, Prescott Valley and the surrounding towns. People seem to come from all around to experience what we sometimes take for granted. The upcoming 4th of July festivities and the rodeo are a major draw and bring visitors from all over. There’s kind of a buzz in town as the weather warms up. Businesses, restaurants, shops and vacation rentals are … [Read more...] about Prepping for a Prescott Summer
Protecting Against Noise: How Hearing is Damaged
The most common cause of permanent hearing loss is noise exposure. That being said, unless you live in a perfectly quiet world, it is likely that you are exposing your hearing organ (cochlea) to excessive vibration. We hear through vibration and vibration is what causes the damage! It is a Catch-22. The hearing organ is fragile. The cochlea is the size of a green pea, curled like a snail and filled with fluid. Inside this tiny, sophisticated organ are rows of nerves that sit on a membrane … [Read more...] about Protecting Against Noise: How Hearing is Damaged
What to Consider When Adding CBD to Your Massage
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the plant that keeps on giving. Its uses are impressive and can be traced back thousands of years. There are various species of cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD), is one that has been gaining a ton of popularity. People are still often cautious of using CBD oils as they sometimes confuse CBD with THC, but there are absolute differences between the two. While THC is known to get people high or alter their state of mind, CBD does neither. It is not psychoactive and also … [Read more...] about What to Consider When Adding CBD to Your Massage
Buyers Beware: The Hidden Costs of Historic Homes
Did you know that Prescott has 65 properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Historic structures are abundant and beautiful! There’s much to admire about owning a historic home. However, before you fall in love with the gleam of summer light cascading through a century-old stained glass window, pause and consider what you’re really in for when you buy a historic home. Historic Districts May Have Restrictions A truly historic home may be ineligible for … [Read more...] about Buyers Beware: The Hidden Costs of Historic Homes
Memorial Trees Celebrate Those We Love
It's been over 77 years since I lost an uncle in Europe during World War II, but his memory is strong within our family. Stories live on about the last time the family saw him before he headed off to that fateful day and they are filled with details of his bravery. Because of these memories, I hope to travel and see his gravesite someday. At the Lain house, we like to remind ourselves of those who have made definite differences in our lives. In addition to memorials for people, we especially … [Read more...] about Memorial Trees Celebrate Those We Love
On Track for the Retirement You Want
When it comes to being prepared for retirement, you may not be as set as you think. According to TIAA’s 2017 Lifetime Income Survey, fewer than half of Americans are aware of how much they have saved for their golden years. Now is the perfect time to sit down and analyze your current financial picture and see how it stacks up to where you hope to be when you reach retirement. But where do you start? A good first step is to look at what you have saved thus far – this includes anything in … [Read more...] about On Track for the Retirement You Want
Remembering Granite Mountain Hotshots
As 24-year Prescott residents, my wife and I consider Prescott our home, and the folks who live here are like family. Five years ago, on June 30, 2013, our entire family was devastated by the news that 19 young men lost their lives battling the Yarnell Hill fire. These brave men were part of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew and gave their lives protecting our community. As Prescott grieved, the nation and the world reached out to offer condolences and solidarity with our fire … [Read more...] about Remembering Granite Mountain Hotshots
How to Find Qualified, Reputable Contractors
Welcome to “At Home With Tom & Sandy!” Here we are, Tom, on the south side of 2018. July is such a special patriotic month and I feel that not nearly enough Americans are aware that much of what the country considers our most patriotic month is peppered with some great songs that make clear what’s splendid about the U.S. I am going to list some of my favorites – are you ready to sing along, Tom? Tom: I am ready and I already have my favorite from years ago and it is Los Lobos with … [Read more...] about How to Find Qualified, Reputable Contractors
Family Roofing Business Keeping Homes Covered
Arrow Roofing Inc. is a family owned and managed business established in the Quad Cities area in 2010 by Darrell Wiens and his wife, Elizabeth Dehon. Their son is also a co-owner and the Production Supervisor. Their daughter works in the accounting department. Previously, Darrell owned a roofing company in Oklahoma that specialized in commercial projects. One of the most noted projects is the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He has brought 45 years of roofing experience to the Prescott … [Read more...] about Family Roofing Business Keeping Homes Covered