Thursday, October 23, 2008

Home Security - Choosing the Right Equipment

By Jeffrey Parker

Sadly our news today is that crime is on the rise, from home invasions, injuries and death. Comprehending this may not be easy but F.B.I. statistics show that every 15 seconds a burglary occurs in the United States. There is good news to all this, today there is now a large variety of affordable security devices that can be purchased. Together we can fight back.

Every home or business is different, so when it comes to home security systems, one size does not fit all. A homeowner or a business owner who wants to protect their family and their investments should look for security systems that meet their individual needs, whether that's a focus on the front door, cameras in special locations or lights that come on when they detect movement. The options are almost endless.

Home Security Systems are an oft-written about subject, and most readers probably understand the basics of their operations. Wired or Wireless systems are both viable options. If you are renting, the installation of a wireless system may be a better option, since it will do little to no damage to the building, and it can be easily moved with the renter. In an owned residence, a wired security system may be more effective, but it too has it's advantages and disadvantages. Hole must be drilled to install the wiring system necessary to run from each monitored location to an alarm control panel. Professional installation will insure that the work is done carefully and is well-concealed, but the labor contributes to the high cost of a wired system. Employing several technicians for multiple hours or even days can get expensive, especially considering the current labor rates.

Doing it yourself may be the best answer. If you can repair a basic lamp cord, you may be able to read the instructions, follow them to the best of your ability, and save yourself quite a bit of money. It is also possible to connect your car, your boat, or any other vehicle to the home security system. There are even motion detectors that are now available, and many of them come equipped to be programmed to disregard the family pet. Ultimately, whether a wired or wireless system best suits your needs, once the system is in place and is tripped by an intruder, an alarm will be sounded and can also be connected to a monitoring service which can call your cell phone to let you know.

Surveillance Cameras - are available through a wired and wireless format. They are successful in allowing you to view more than one location if desired. The display capability to view more than one location all on one single screen provides an advantage and time saver. With the fast pace in technology, there are more features offered at better prices all the time. A recent offer provides a color camera with an outdoor motion-activated combination. Trusting people in our homes is not as easy as it used to be so a hidden wireless camera can give the owner a piece of mind. To no one's surprise, the ability to know what is occurring while we are away with our valuables and children makes this device the most popular.

Automation at the house - There are a line of products which you will want to examine while shopping for safety at the house. The evolution of products of safety has developed into a new category of devices in home automation. It progressed in a remarkable way beyond the garage door opener remote. Now you can use your personal computer to maintain lighting, appliances, cameras, store camera image files, check your house, and turn your lights or even your system of watering on/off.

About the Author:

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Selecting a quality security alarm company for your home

By Giles May

There's nothing worse than being burgled. After all, if there's one place you need to feel safe and secure it's your home. Fortunately, home security is relatively inexpensive, and in just about every locality there are specialists that can install alarms systems.

But how do you select the right company? Here's some great advice on choosing the right company for you.

1.Are free surveys & quotations offered? Beware of any company that won't come and give you a free consultation and quote. The best ones will make additional suggestions for your home security, and give you a free detailed quotation. Avoid those that pressure you for a decision there and then.

2. Are they an established local company? Local companies work hard to preserve their good reputation by providing great service and will be pleased to offer references. In addition, by looking round your local area, you will notice alarm company stickers on bell boxes, which is a good indicator of the most popular companies in your area, which should help you draw up a shortlist to contact.

3. Is the company a member of any trade associations? Find out which one and of you are not familiar with them, check that they are an established association online. Beware of companies that belong to minor associations that can be joined easily and at low cost. Most companies will display details of accreditations online, so by searching the Net you will become familiar with the different trade assocciations.

4. What guarantees & warranties will you get? Avoid anyone who doesn't offer at least a one year warranty on part and labour. If the system malfunctions, how long will they take to respond and attend your property to fix it? Finally, do they offer maintenance and monitoring services as well.

5. Do they project an air of professionalism? The person doing the initial visit must come across as professional. Do they have professional looking paperwork or is the quote scribbled on scrap paper? Are their vehicles sign written or do they drive shabby, unmarked vans?

6. And finally, does the alarm specification that they are quoting you for, match your requirements and lifestyle? Make sure to tell them all about any pets or children and any special requirements you may have. That way they can design a system that's tailored especially for you. If you feel you have to change to "fit in" with their security system, then get another quote.

If you follow the above advice, and more than one company passes the test, then go with the one that instils you with most confidence. It's not always down to the cheapest quote, especially when protecting your greatest and most important investment - your home.

About the Author:

Why Risk of Hypertension Increases as Your Weight Increases

By Christian Goodman

Sadly, different studies have shown that almost half of Americans today are overweight. And this statistic is not just limited to the adults. Almost 14% of Children now are overweight, compared to 5% only a few decades ago.

Experts have agreed that this is so because people nowadays are exercising less than before. Also, the wrong kinds of food are finding their way into the kitchens of american families who are becoming more affluent.

And while schools are doing their share in combating this problem by requiring students to take up Physical Education or JROTC, the growing number of obese children proves that we need to do more.

It's a well-known fact that the risk of hypertension is directy related to one's weight. If more weight is being carried by the body, more work is being done by the heart to counteract it. As time passes, the heart grows larger and weaker.

Hardening of the arteries may also happen, which impedes the blood from circulating around the body.

Hypertension is marked by a blood pressure reading of over 120/80 mm Hg. Individuals who suffer from hypertension are at increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, dementia, blindness, and impotence.

Studies have shown that overweight individuals are at a much greater risk of suffering from high blood pressure - up to three times more likely - than those who maintain the ideal weight for their height.

Conventional hypertension treatments are all over the place. There are medical therapies and suggestions to exercise and eat healthier. But as I've mentioned in a previous post, less than one out of every three individuals suffering from hypertension actually avail of these treatments.

Some of these treatments are expensive, while others have side effects which people would much rather do without.

You can then say that they can exercise to reduce weight right? We all know that the most common reply would be, "I'm too lazy", or "I don't have time to exercise", which just sounds more pleasing than "I'm too lazy."

So what's the deal?

I've tried some of the treatments mentioned above, like exercise, weight reduction, and healthier diet, and have found that they are effective in lowering blood pressure. Significant improvements can be seen even with just a 10-pound reduction in body weight.

Still, not all of us are willing to part with the little joys in life. That's where my Natural Blood Pressure Exercise Program comes in.

My program does not involve long hours of exercise or any strenuous physical activity. It does not even talk about weight loss. It only involves removing nerve tension and emotional stress, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

And all it requires is a conviction to spend a few minutes each week to do the exercises.

No other treatment has helped me control my hypertension better than these exercises. the program can be accessed by clicking on the link found at the upper-right-hand side of this website.

Though it wouldn't hurt to do something as simple as my exercises and shed a few pounds at the same time, would it?

About the Author:

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Be protected by installing a Home Security Network System

By Manuel Wiggins

Putting in a home security network can help in protecting homes from dangerous intruders. There are lots of wireless home security network gadgets that people can install in their homes to make them safer. In today's world of cyber crimes and whatnot, a home security network system is an absolute must.

Home Security Network System - Playing It Safe

The following are some important measures must be taken into consideration to approve the most safety in using wireless home security network systems:

Alter the identification of the home security network system. It is known that security equipments are accompanied with default systems IDs. It is called service Set Identifiers. It will be easy for any hacker to get the default identifier of manufacturers. Consequently, it is advised to alter the code. To do that, it is better to use something different, yet, it must not using an easy thing to be discovered by the hackers, such as names or birthdates.

Limit the unnecessary traffic flow. Since wireless routers are purchased with built-in firewalls, it must read its manual carefully. Determining reconfiguration of the routers will be useful for the user to be the sole controller of approved outgoing and incoming traffic that will be allowed to access.

* Check that the encryption is enabled. The Wi-Fi protected access and Wired Equivalent Privacy have data encryption capabilities. What this means is that only intended recipients are permitted to read anything.

All PCs in the home must be patched and protected. It must install firewalls along with anti-virus software. Both must be updated. That will assist in storing updates of security and protection vulnerabilities of PCs.

It must disable identifier broadcasting. No necessity to inform your neighbors that you have installed a wireless home security network system connection. You can search the guidance of the system's manual to know how to disable its function of broadcasting.

Change the default password of the administrator, despite many persons do not care to do that. Consequently, the password has to be changed for not leaving the door open for hackers' conquer. When changing the password, it must select an unusual thing, not names, nor birthdates.

Keeping the above stuff in mind will help in ensuring homes are adequately protected. A home security network system is one way to up your home's security against external threats like hackers. With a home security network system in place, a house is better protected and unsavory individuals are kept at a safe distance.

About the Author:

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Let's move bodies and get slim!

By Lucy Roberts

Several methods of exercises and movement are described here briefly. There are many other kinds of exercise, dancing, physical training classes and visit to health clubs.

Aerobics -This method of exercise was devised in 1977 by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper of the United States. Aerobics refers to a variety of activities like walking, jogging and running. The idea is to increase the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can process in given time. Aerobics builds basic fitness and endurance. It builds agility, co-ordination and muscular strength, particularly in the arms and upper torso.

Jogging - Jogging gives the necessary precautions, and explains how to take the pulse easily. Each jogger gets to know the reactions of his own body, mental, physical and emotional.

Yoga - Yoga originated in India and its roots are as ancient as Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, yoga means union or yoke. It means linking yourself to discipline through which you work towards balance and wholeness of body, mind and spirit. Yoga becomes a way of life, but we can choose what is useful for us and the physical postures or asanas are a good start.

Tai Chi chuan is one martial art that can indeed provide you with great workouts and excellent balances of mind and body. This art has a number of movements using which an individual gains greater control over his body, improves his condition and concentration and poise.

It's no coincidence that gyms, personal trainers and producers of exercise videos and DVD's are now heavily incorporating training techniques but martial arts like Karate and Jude hold a place of their own when it comes to body movements. One of the most obvious benefits of doing Karate and Judo is that it provides us with the fitness, strength, skill and techniques necessary to protect ourselves from being attacked by others. At the same time they help a lot in maintaining a good shape.

About the Author: