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Expert Tips
Good advice is hard to find - we are here to help. See below for helpful tips and advice written by local business owners and community members. If you would like to contribute an Expert Tips article to be published in one of our magazines or on this site please contact us.
Practice Your Escape Plan
From John Oxendine, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, 10/01/07
Fire Prevention Week is scheduled from October 7-13 and this year Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind Georgia citizens to ‘Practice Your Escape Plan...
Does Music Make You Smarter?
by Bill Realbuto, founder of Key Music Center, 11/01/07
A tremendous amount of research has been done through the years on the effects of learning a musical instrument. With that research more and more scientists are coming to the same conclusion. There are effects on brain development that impact IQ levels in music students. Children of any age who study a musical instrument perform better in school than children who don’t...
Considering Independent Schools
by Zach Young, Headmaster, Wesleyan School, 11/01/07
Independent schools are a growing presence in Gwinnett County, although they remain a small minority among schools both county and nationwide. In America, about 5% of the nation’s students attend independent schools. Nevertheless, these schools have produced many of the leaders of our nation and our society...
How To Buy Beef
by Parker Patton of Patton’s Meat Market, 5/01/08
Juicy, tender, flavorful! These are qualities you look for when buying meat. With so many variations in brand and quality, how do you know when you’re purchasing the best?
Key Ingredients That Make Japanese Cuisine Healthy
by Darai Park, General Manager, Kani House Japanese Sushi and Steak, 4/01/08
What is American cuisine? Some will mention foods like hamburgers and fries, hot-dogs, pancakes, pizza, and chili. Truth be told, there isn’t a real definition for American cuisine...
The History of Chocolate
provided by Bobby and Julie Culver from Peterbrooke Chocolatier, 2/01/08
Did you know that chocolate was first cultivated and consumed by the Mayans and Aztecs? By the year 1000 A.D. the beans were being used as currency...
Does Your Jaw “Lock Up” or Cause You Pain?
by Jean Yasseer, P-C.M., of Total HealthCare Medical Centers, 01/01/09
Does your jaw “lock up”, click or cause you pain when opened or closed or when you chew, or do you have headaches that can’t seem to be diagnosed?
Treating Pain Seriously
by Dr. Bill Almon, M.D., of Total HealthCare Medical Centers, 11/01/08
Many sufferers of chronic pain who have had disappointing results using strong drugs, cortisone injections and/or surgery...
What Did You Say?
by Laura Dennison, President of Audiology Associates of Georgia, 9/01/08
We’ve all heard jokes and laughed about someone misunderstanding what somebody else says and giving a completely unrelated answer. It’s funny when it is a joke but when you are the one who is misunderstanding it isn’t so easy to laugh about.
Electrolysis Removes Hair and Veins Permanently
by Linda White from Spa Fiori, 9/01/08
There is a quick and affordable solution to remove broken red capillaries and spider veins on your face and décolletage, and can permanently remove unwanted body hair. The treatment is called Electrolysis.
Modern Measures for Treating Pain’s Cause
by Dr. Bill Almon, M.D., of Total HealthCare Medical Centers, 5/01/08
Integrative, Regenerative and Manual Medicine (IRM) has been around for some time but only in the last 7 years or so has it gotten widespread attention...
How Fast Do You Feel You Are Aging?
by Helen Casson-West, LME, Pure Medical Day Spa, 1/01/08
Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage—unstable molecules known as FREE RADICALS; the pathway for cancer, aging and a variety of diseases. The scientific community has begun to unveil some of the mysteries surrounding this topic, and the media has begun whetting our thirst for knowledge...
Slow Down and Enjoy the Holidays!
by Elissa McGahren, 12/01/07, 12/01/07
The day after Halloween, I walked into a store and was greeted by holiday music and decorated trees! The first hint of PANIC began to stir in my stomach!
Exercise and Back Pain
by Dr. Bruce Miron, 10/01/07
No one likes to have back pain. Many cope with it by using ice, getting more rest and avoiding anything that worsens the pain. This makes sense if you have suffered an acute episode of back pain caused by minor sprains and strains. Not everyone knows that chiropractic care along with proper exercise is often the best way to help back pain...
Overcoming Depression
by Andrea Ferris, 09/01/07
One of my passions in life is helping those who suffer from depression. My heart was first broken with the reality and cruelty of depression when I saw it consume my sister’s life. My journey with this began over twenty years ago when I came home to face flashing police car lights, devastated parents, and a cold, white sheet...
The Technology Behind Carpet
by Jonathan Waller from Dalton Carpets, Inc., 01/01/09
While in the store, it may seem that many carpets look the same. But not all carpets perform the same...
How to Kill a Tree, Part 2 of 2
by Judy Knight for 404-CUT-TREE, 11/01/08
Part 2 of a series on how to best protect your trees from common but deadly mistakes.
Hardwood Floors, a Renewable Resource
by Rob Zehnder, with Colorado Hardwoods, 9/01/08
One of the best things about a solid hardwood floor is that it is Renewable many times.
How to Kill a Tree, Part 1 of 2
by Judy Knight for 404-CUT-TREE, 9/01/08
Singer Bruce Cockburn once posed the musical question, “If a tree falls in the forest, does anybody hear?” Fortunately, 404-CUT-TREE hears loud and clear.
Considering a Kitchen Remodel?
by Matt Keown, owner of US Home Products, 7/01/08
A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home with the highest return, both in terms of daily enjoyment and increased value.
Making the Most of a Maid Service
by Melodee Hicks, President/Owner Maid Your Day, Inc., 4/01/08
Think maid service is unattainable? Think only the rich have maids? Think again. Maid service today can be very affordable and make your life so much easier...
Making Your Home a Healthy Home
by Ron West for Universal Heating & Air, 2/01/08
Homes, just like cars, have regular maintenance needs. When most homeowners think of home maintenance the typical lawn mowing and occasional paint jobs are what comes to mind...
Why Are Clean Windows Important?
by Steve Langell, owner Mr. Clean & Shine, 10/01/07
Windows allow light into your home which helps heat your home in winter, helps keep electricity bills low as they brighten your home, and provide your own little picture boxes of the world. You sit at them to read by natural light, you watch your kids play outside, and you place your plants next to them to grow. They bring warmth to your home in many ways...
Why Should Contractors Carry Liability Insurance?
by Bill Russo, Peachtree Corners Handy Man, 09/01/07
Liability Insurance is designed to pay for damages done by a contractor. Let’s say the contractor you hired is fixing a hole in a wall, and he needs to cut out the ragged piece of drywall to make a new patch...
Do You Have a Funky Roof?
By Frank Kelly, owner of Fortress Roofing, LLC, 08/01/07
Most homeowners do not know what color or style their roofing shingles are until two or three lie on the grass in front of them. That’s ok, because for many, there simply is not a need to know. It’s a roof, it works, move on...
Outdoor Grilling Tips
by Chet Womack from North Atlanta Fireplace, Inc., 07/01/07
Summer is the time for outdoor picnics, parties and family gatherings. Masterful outdoor grilling is key to the success of any outdoor gathering. The following are a few helpful hints to insure your grilling results are perfect every time...
Teen Drivers & Auto Insurance
by Mark Miller, CLU, State Farm® Insurance Agent, in Norcross, 3/01/08
So, your teenage son or daughter wants to drive! Suddenly, driving has become one of the most important things in your child’s life. Scary, isn’t it?
Reasons Why Executing Your Will Should Be Top Priority
by Matthew McGahren, member of McGahren, Gaskill & York, LLC, 1/01/08
On August 25, 1995, my father, Frank McGahren, died unexpectedly at the early age of 51 leaving our entire family grief stricken. While Dad was an extremely intelligent individual (a professional engineer) who often spoke about getting his Will completed, he, like so many others, never executed one...
Intellectual Property Law 101
By Joel Myers, a founding member of Myers & Kaplan Intellectual Property Law, LLC, 12/01/07
While the law recognizes several kinds of intellectual property, the purposes for each are very different; thus, the legal protections available for each are different. The rights of patent and copyright are protected by the United States Constitution. In fact, the rights of patent and copyright are vested solely in federal law; that is, no state may grant copyrights or patents...
Basic Well-being is the First Step to Beautiful Skin
by Florina Trifu, owner Spa Fiori, 2/01/08
Beauty and health depend on one another - it’s no secret that poor diet, lack of exercise or sleep, excessive drinking and smoking can lead to early wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dehydrated, dull skin tone...
Common Misconceptions About Weight Training and Dieting
by Byron Kramer, owner of Real Fitness Trainers, 1/01/08
There are several misconceptions that people have about weight training. Many things that many people believe about weight training are just not true. Let’s take a minute and debunk a few of these myths...
Tips for Healthy Winter Hair
Provided by Doremi Hair Salon, 12/01/07
Considering the time and money you spend to have healthy hair, it’s well worth all the protection you can give it against the punishment of the windy and dry winter months...
Weight Training for Endurance Athletes
by Byron Kramer, owner of Real Fitness Trainers, 11/01/07
Do you want to race better with fewer injury problems, to look better, feel better and maintain a lower body fat percentage? Try adding weight training with a personal trainer to your workouts. With the right trainer, you can accomplish these goals...
Top 10 Summertime Fat Loss “Laws” - Part 2 of 2
by Russ Yeager from Fitness Together, 09/01/07
Last issue we talked about the 5 key “laws” that must be incorporated into any successful fat loss plan. As summer comes to an end, we are going to cover the remaining 5 components that will help you shed that unwanted body fat and feel and look great forever...
Top 10 Summertime Fat Loss “Laws” - Part 1 of 2
by Russ Yeager from Fitness Together, 07/01/07
Bathing suit season is officially here and everyone is looking for the answer to toning up and looking great. While there are no “magic pills” that will give you the perfect body, you can make great progress towards the physique you want by following some simple tips...
Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy During Summer
by Mario Yildiz from Mario’s Hair Designers, 06/01/07
With Summer coming soon, now is a good time to think about your hair. Your hair is a valuable asset. Considering the time and money you spend to have healthy hair, not to mention its contribution to your looks, it is well worth all the protection you can give it against the punishment of Summer...
The Buyer’s Agent: Building Pathways of Stepping Stones
by Carrie Bodin, Buyer’s Agent for Re/Max Suburban Atlanta, Nancy Minor Team, 03/01/08
Real Estate Agents who represent their clients in the process of securing a home or business are commonly referred to as “Buyer’s Agents.”...
The Key To Sold! Preparing Your Home to Sell.
By Nancy Minor, 05/01/07
You want your home sold. You keep hearing it’s a buyer’s market. What’s a seller to do? The key in this market is preparation. Know your price and then dress for success...
Selecting Appropriate Video Games for Your Children
by David Benson, Owner, Play N Trade Video Games, 11/01/08
Video games have become one of the most sought after sources of entertainment, and in recent years, the industry has rivaled even Hollywood in both growth rate and sales...
Traveling Internationally This Summer?
“Vaccines On The Go” Can Help, 06/01/07
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, Vaccines On The Go can help you prepare for your international trip. Our health professionals will assess your individual needs, administer immunizations and medications, and provide you with an official immunization record to keep with your travel documents...