March 22, 2016 • Page 8 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Simple Seasonal Tips to Keep Plumbing Operating Smoothly (StatePoint) Proper seasonal maintenance can keep your plumbing running smoothly. Experts say that even those with no experience can inspect for issues and perform simple tasks to prevent costly repairs. “You don’t have to be a crackerjack plumber to handle basics and protect your home,” says Jeff Devlin, host on HGTV and DIY Networks. Devlin offers homeowners some key plumbing tips: Kitchens and Bathrooms Ensure drains have strainers to prevent debris from clogging drain lines. Check faucets for drips and leaks. Inspect the toilet tank and bowl for visible cracks. Check for hidden leaks by adding six drops of food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Ensure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down to flush, or jiggled to stop water from running, you may need to replace parts. Clean mineral deposits from the shower head. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar overnight. Then gently scrub with an old toothbrush. Water Heater Carefully drain several gallons from the tank to flush out corrosion-causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Consider replacing those older than 15 years with a new, energyefficient model. What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital Be Equipped bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or those older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses, which are more reliable and less prone to bursting. Clean your washing machine lint trap, and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer. (StatePoint) Few experiences are more difficult than Look for commercial-qual- having to endure a hospital ity products designed with stay. But unlike in years average consumers in mind. past, you can now educate yourself on both healthcare For example, Roto-Rooter, providers and facilities, the number one brand in much like you would for any plumbing, with 80 years of product or service. experience, now offers a These days, free online resources allow you to complete line of consumer products that contain 25 per- compare hospitals across cent more active ingredients a wide range of criteria, as well as read patient reviews. and clear clogs 50 percent That, along with federallyfaster than the competition. mandated healthcare quality report cards, have hospital “It’s stronger and faster which means you can get the administrators making great job done right the first time,” strides in the quality of care they provide. says Devlin. This is where a hospital’s Devlin, who lives in an physical design becomes a crucial element of patient historic farmhouse, recomhealth, comfort and wellmends the brand’s Septic being. Treatment, which contains “The biggest risks for twice the amount of enzymes patients during a hospital to keep septic tanks in stay are exposure to possible infections, medical balance. More information errors and falls,” says Joan about the product line can be found at rotorooter-prod- Suchomel, president of the American Institute of ucts.com. Architects (AIA) Academy “Be proactive,” says of Architecture for Health. “Good hospital design can Devlin. “A few minutes of reduce these risks. For exprevention could save you tens of thousands of dollars ample, installing a dedicated hand-washing sink near the in costly repairs.” General Pour water into infrequently used drains to fill traps and prevent odors. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they’ll carry water away during flooding. Take a reading on your water meter before bedtime. The next morning, without using any water overnight, take another reading. If it’s changed, you have a leak that should be repaired. Outside Free yard drains, gutters and downspouts of debris. Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes. Check faucets and hose bibs to ensure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips, or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced. the best level care possible, as patients often make decisions based on a host of ratings and reviews that are now publicly available to them. Suchomel suggests the following questions to consider when comparing hospitals: • How does an institution perform on quality measures like success rates and patient outcomes? • Has the hospital been cited for lack of compliance in any areas? • What do patients say about their care on ratings sites? Being an educated consumer makes good financial sense if you are shopping for a car or life insurance, and the stakes are even higher when it comes to healthcare. Fortunately, there are now a multitude of resources available to arm you with the information you need to make the best decision for your particular medical condition or issue. And there has never been a greater priority placed on ensuring hospital design results in a safe, clean and peaceful healing environment. Auctions, Entertainment, Baby Goods, Furniture, Toys, Antiques, Electronics, Cars, Homes For Sale/Rent and MORE!!! Find it here! 2015 Ford Expedition EL XLT 4x4 entrance of patient rooms improves hygiene. Proper lighting and layouts reduce potential distraction during preparation of medications to help prevent drug administration errors. Well-placed handrails, the space to limit clutter, and flooring materials that reduce slipperiness and unevenness, will help prevent patient falls.” Others design considerations that architects employ are done to specifically address concepts for effective caregiving, reducing patient stress and pain levels, and creating safer and more hygienic rooms and healing spaces. For example, it has been proven through research that views of nature reduce stress -- and patients with less stress feel less pain and don’t need as much pain medication. In addition to the capabilities of doctors and nurses, the actual space within a healthcare facility can influence patient healing rates, decrease the length of hospital stays, and even impact something as basic as a good night’s sleep. And now, hospitals are financially motivated to offer patients MV Shopper M I S SOU R I VALLEY 2014 Dodge Journey SXT AWD 2014 Ford Expedition EL Limited 4x4 Appliances Check your dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker’s supply hoses for 3rd Seat Leather #F11487 43,995 $ 2008 Hummer H3 Luxury 2014 KIA Soul 11,995 $ #714587 22,995 $ #251558 16,995 $ #167993 Loaded 19,995 $ #62955X 11,995 $ #409321 2014 Ford F150 Crew Cab Lariat 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited 44,995 $ 2015 Chevy Silverado Crew 2500 HD 23K 6.0L 23K?6.0L #560818 36,995 $ 2015 Ford F150 CrewCab XLT4x4 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SE 2011 Ford Taurus SHO #116682 Loaded Ecoboost 16K Ecoboost?16K #D37544 31,995 $ 2013 Chevy Avalanche LTZ 4x4 REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE EMPLOYMENT MERCHANDISE #574823 13,995 $ 2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 4x4 #74878X 34,995 $ 2010 Ford F150 Crew Cab XLT 4x4 Loaded #118398 37,995 $ 2015 Ford Transit Connect XLT COUPONS 5.7L Hemi the Missouri Valley Shopper and missourivalleyshopper.com is your complete source for buying and selling. Everything you need is just a click or call away! Place an ad today by calling 605.665.5584 MV Shopper #559270 28,995 $ #C29585 18,995 $ 19K #197900 18,995 $ MOODY MOTOR CO. 1-800-745-5650 Niobrara, Nebraska Business? Phone?402-857-3711?•?1-800-745-5650 www.moodymotor.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y MATT MOODY ALAN KEMP MATT SCHAA PAT HAWK Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Sunday: Noon - 4:00 p.m.