The Vital Role of Insurance in Water Damage Restoration - What You Need to Know

Water damage is a common problem for homeowners and business owners. It can lead to costly repairs.

If you need to make a claim, understand your policy's coverage, including deductibles, limits, and exclusions. Ensure you also have documentation of any losses, such as photos and repair estimates.

Coverage

When water damage occurs, it's essential to document the extent of the loss as thoroughly as possible. This can be done by taking pictures and videos of the affected area and damaged belongings. Taking a home inventory of all your personal property can also be helpful.

It's also essential to ensure the water's source is shut off. This can prevent additional damage and help limit the amount of cleanup required. Once the source is fixed, it's essential to protect your property from theft and move any undamaged items away from the area.

Regarding homeowners insurance, the type of water damage covered will vary by policy. For example, water damage caused by sudden and accidental causes like a burst pipe is typically covered. Still, gradual damage or the result of neglect is not usually covered. Reviewing your coverage regularly and making upgrades as necessary are always good ideas.

Deductibles

Water damage claims can be subject to different deductibles and coverage limits depending on your insurance policy. Familiarizing yourself with these details will help you budget for the cost of restoration and make informed decisions about filing an insurance claim.

Timely Pure Restore professional response helps reduce costs, mitigates long-term damage, and preserves belongings. Additionally, it aids in the prevention of the spread of dangerous fungi, bacteria, and other tiny organisms that pose a significant risk to human health. Furthermore, a professional can help you determine what items can be saved and which must be discarded. This may help you avoid unnecessary expenses and emotional distress. It can also help protect your property's value by increasing its resale value. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers less than the genuine monetary value of your property, you can engage with an attorney to reach a fair settlement. A lawyer can also guide you through tricky legal situations, including conflicts involving ill faith and guilt.

Exclusions

As with any insurance, reviewing policy language for exclusions and coverage limits is essential. For example, standard homeowners policy language excludes damage caused by flood or surface water, such as river overflow and spray. But courts have narrowly interpreted these language provisions to include water propelled by wind or mudflow.

Likewise, water damage caused by long-term leakage or gradual water intrusion may be excluded. Restoration contractors must discuss potential policy adjustments with their insurance agents.

Restoration firms should also be aware that Category 3 water loss contains grossly contaminated materials that trigger pollution and fungus/bacteria exclusions universally found in property/ liability policies. To avoid potential claims denials by insurance companies, contractors should consider purchasing customized general liability (GL) and professional liability (CPL) coverage with a fungus/bacteria/Category 3 water exclusion. These solutions have been available in the environmental insurance marketplace for over seven years.

Limits

The amount your insurer pays for lost or damaged possessions will depend on the limits specified in your insurance policy. Typically, homeowners' policies include actual cash value and replacement cost coverage for possessions. Items with depreciated value are covered by actual cash value, while those that need to be replaced at current prices are covered by replacement cost.

Water damage can cause various difficulties, including structural and health hazards. Depending on the source, the water may include bacteria or dangerous organisms that might harm your family and pets. Proper water damage restoration helps to remove contaminated microorganisms and create a healthy living environment.

Working with a professional water damage restoration company can help reduce your loss and save you from having to file an insurance claim. They can provide expert advice about your insurance needs and help you navigate the claims and approval process. They have experience dealing with various insurance companies and policies, so they can ensure you're fairly compensated for your losses.

Colonoscopies - Why Early Detection Is Key

Colonoscopies are an essential part of a person's screening tools. They are necessary for people with a family history of polyps or colon cancer and those with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Many people avoid a colonoscopy because of the prep process, but the procedure is well worth it. Screenings work, and they save lives.

Detecting Colorectal Cancer Early

Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable types if it's caught early. A colonoscopy can be diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive all at once. It is the only test that enables healthcare providers to see polyps that may become cancerous and remove them before they grow larger and spread.

A long, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted through your rectum during a colonoscopy. A trained gastroenterologist steers this tube into the colon and rectum to look for polyps and other abnormalities. The camera lets doctors spot precancerous and potentially cancerous growths, called adenomas, and they can also be removed during a colonoscopy.

A recent study found that patients with a history of polyps who received colonoscopies every other year were less likely to develop cancer compared to those with a sporadic screening schedule. Screening recommendations suggest that people with no family history should begin regular screening at age 50, and those with a hereditary risk should start earlier.

Detecting Polyps

Polyps are a typical and potentially precancerous growth along the colon and rectum lining. They are usually small and don't cause pain, so they often go unnoticed. Colonoscopies allow doctors to examine these areas and remove polyps or abnormal tissues.

A colonoscope is a flexible tube that is placed into your rectum and has a camera at the end of it. A highly trained gastroenterologist or surgeon steers the tube through your colon, looking for polyps and early cancers. It is more thorough than a less extensive screening test known as a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which does not fully evaluate the lower colon.

Healthcare providers often recommend colonoscopies at age 45 for average-risk adults. However, people with a family history of colorectal cancer or a rare inherited condition like familial adenomatous polyposis may need to begin screening earlier. After the procedure, your gastroenterologist at Gastro Of The Rockies will send any removed tissue samples for laboratory testing. The results are usually available within a few days or weeks.

Detecting Diverticulosis

Diverticula arise when the colon's elevated pressure aggravates minor vulnerabilities in the muscle, blood vessel, and connective tissue layers that comprise the colon wall. These flaws produce pouches when they protrude outward.

These pouches are commonly asymptomatic but can become infected and cause pain and bleeding. They may also tear or rupture. If they rupture, they can leak into the abdomen and cause peritonitis or a fistula. Peritonitis is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

A long, flexible tube with a camera at the end, known as a colonoscope, is inserted into your rectum by your doctor during a colonoscopy. The scope can see the entire length of your colon. The procedure is a more extensive exam than a barium enema or flexible sigmoidoscopy, which can miss abnormalities farther inside the colon. Family physicians can perform colonoscopies, which makes the test more accessible for patients. It allows them to be performed in various settings, including rural and underserved communities.

Detecting Invasive Cancers

When cancer grows, it can invade the colon or rectum wall. It can even grow beyond the wall into blood vessels and lymph nodes. Invasion is the beginning of a new, more dangerous stage called metastatic colon cancer.

When doctors detect early invasive cancers during a colonoscopy, they can remove them before they have a chance to spread. It can prevent the formation of a more severe tumor and save lives.

In addition to removing precancerous polyps and cancers, colonoscopies detect other conditions that can cause bowel problems, such as colitis, Crohn's disease, or diverticulosis. Doctors can also biopsy suspicious tissue to confirm if it's cancer or another condition.

The most common method for detecting colorectal cancer, the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, is a colonoscopy. For those over 50, routine colonoscopies are covered by Medicare and medical insurance, but depending on your risk factors, you might need to be checked before then.

Despite Challenges of Autism, Popular Influencer Pursues Career in Education

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Matthew Kenslow never gave Autism the prerogative to stop him from achieving what would bring him joy in life — spreading acceptance of those with disabilities and teaching classrooms of students. Life has brought him a world of setbacks and standstills, prompting him to put in extra effort toward proving his competence, he explained. But these challenges also taught him how to find a way through things, rather than around them. 

 

“I titled my new book Unstoppable because I declared that nothing — not even the limitations of Autism — will stop me from being the person who I believe I was always called to be,” Kenslow said.

 

Unstoppable takes readers on a gripping story of how one man faced Autism head-on, persevering through discrimination in his own neighborhood, all the while not being given a full range of opportunities. He chronicles his highs and lows with candor, as he walks readers through what life is really like for people who are neurodivergent. 

 

After years of feeling underused, misunderstood and invisible, Kenslow went on to tackle one of the most rigorous programs in California to obtain his teaching credentials. Kenslow is currently a substitute teacher in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, as he awaits landing a full-time teaching position. Unquestionably, he has made an impact on thousands of students, often being called the “best sub.” 

 

“All I care about in life is making a difference — encouraging everybody that they have a purpose (despite a disability),” Kenslow added. “I want to do my part to help people put aside discrimination and competition, and learn to accept one another for who they are.”

 

About the Author

Matthew Kenslow has grown up with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result, his life has been filled with adventure and struggle. Overcoming the effects of Autism, he became the author of two books and a social media influencer. His first book, Juggling the Issues, was published in 2020. He is also a speaker who shares his message of what it is like living with a disability, how people can be friends with others like him and how everyone has a purpose despite having a disability. 

 

Kenslow has appeared on television, radio and podcasts around the world, being featured in Newsweek Magazine, Spectrum News, ABC7 Los Angeles and many more. Over a million people follow his story on social media, as he motivates the world to embrace the unique talents they have. He believes that anybody can do what they set their heart and mind to do, disability or not.

 

For more information, visit https://matthew-kenslow-shop.fourthwall.com/pages/bio-and-social-media, or follow him on Instagram (matthew_kenslow), Facebook (JugglingTheIssues), YouTube (@matthewkenslow722), X (@KenslowMatthew) and TikTok (@matthewkenslow). 

 

Purchase links: 

https://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Matthew-Kenslow/dp/1956365583

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144519640  

 

Unstoppable: How One Person With Autism Is Never Giving Up on His Lifelong Dream To Become a Teacher and Worldwide Influencer 

Publisher: River Birch Press

ISBN-10: ‎1956365583

ISBN-13: ‎978-1956365580 

Available at www.amazon.com and BN.com

 

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Check Out My New Pre-Cut Floral Washi Stickers #journaling #stickers

 

The stickers in this book looks like pressed flowers to be used with your journals, bookmarks, iphone cases, ect. There are over 400 stickers perfect and easy to remove. I love stickers that don't have any border at all! There are ZERO borders! The book comes with a tweezer for easy removing but I found it quicker to just peel them with my fingers. 

The journal I used in these photos was one I made with a kit. It was only $14.99 and I love it! It is a leather cover and comes with lined and dotted pages. 

The beautiful girl stickers are stunning and some of my favorites. 

If I Had To Do It All Over Again, I Would Never

give my son a game system. As a 20 year old young autistic male he doesn't do much else. He goes to online college because we work and he doesn't drive, he works on the weekends because that is when we can drive him to a job and he doesn't try very hard to much of anything except game. 

I understand we are all different but I don't believe game systems would be in his life if I could rewind things and do it all again. 

Not just for him but for all the folks he is playing online with during the day and evening. I see it for myself and my husband, even my very talented daughter. We sit on the couch from 7:30 pm until bedtime on our respective devices. My husband, his computer researching various interests, my daughter, Pinterest obsessed and myself texting, reading, Facebooking with friends or playing Monopoly with friends on my phone. However, we all are involved with other things, this is our downtime. He does a few classes online, walks up and down the block and games. THAT IS IT! Other than various tasks or chores I give him and things he has to do like litterboxes, garbage and cleaning his room (he needs to be reminded often) he does nothing else. 

I try to throw other things his way but I work from 7:30 to 4:30 and when I get home about 5-5:15 I shower, cook dinner, and get ready for the next door. 

Tablets, phones, computers and game systems have changed us all. I see it with us, I see it in my preschool kids over the past few years. Even this weekend I was at a baby shower and the one child there was on their tablet the whole time and she is no more than 3. She was not engaging with anyone. She was not meeting her extended family, making eye contact, listening to relatives bad jokes or struggling not to laugh while someone plays peek-a-boo or does anything to get you to smile. She was completely and totally engrossed in whatever she enjoys watching on her tablet. Everyone is doing it! We all need to make a conscious effort to CHANGE.  THIS IS NOT HEALTHY and the next generation will struggle making connections. I see it already!

Life Changing Hair Care #eshanatural #haircare #beauty

 

I have very wavy, very thick hair which can be very frizzy and ornery when left to its own devices which means if I don't make a conscious effort to control it I end up with Rosanne Rosannadanna hair.  It is not a good look for anyone. 

It has been 3 weeks since I started using Esha Natural Curl Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner and my hair is soft and less frizzy when left natural and even smoother when I straighten. My waves are loving this wonderful smelling concoction made with natural oil like coconut oil, and rosemary oil. I am NOW an Esha Girl . Even in the rainy weather which is my hair's natural enemy my hair is soft.

 Esha Natural is on sale on their website now. I cannot wait to try the leave in conditioner and the heat protection for when I straighten. Definitely a fan for life!

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was received and these opinions are my own. 

Building a Relationship with Your Vet: The Importance of Regular Checkups

Veterinary checkups allow veterinarians to detect diseases in their early stages when treatment is often more successful. Behavioral issues can also be identified before they cause serious or life-threatening problems.

Developing a rapport with your veterinarian is a great approach to guarantee that your pet receives the most excellent treatment and remains healthy.

Schedule Regular Checkups

A routine checkup is a great time to have your veterinarian run various tests on your pet. Many of these include blood counts, thyroid hormone testing, and urinalysis. These can help catch diseases or illnesses before they become more serious. Early detection and treatment of a disease is usually less expensive and less invasive than treatment once it has progressed.

A veterinarian can also use a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal heart tones that could indicate a problem. Your vet will usually also examine the ears and eyes during the physical. They may recommend that your pet receive certain vaccinations or medication for certain diseases.

For the Veterinary Hospital in Cold Spring Kentucky, viewing regular veterinary appointments as essential to responsible pet ownership is paramount, akin to providing food and playtime. These appointments contribute to your pet's overall health, well-being, and lifespan. To optimize outcomes, scheduling your next appointment before leaving the veterinary hospital is advisable. This proactive approach to time-specific scheduling helps mitigate last-minute cancellations and missed appointments.

Bring Your Pet in for Regular Checkups

While it may seem unnecessary, routine checkups help your veterinary professionals catch many diseases or health conditions early when they are much easier to treat and cure. This can save you money and stress in the long run, especially as your pet ages.

Your veterinarian will use a physical examination and routine screening tests to assess your pet's overall health and well-being, testing for diseases and illnesses that often show little symptoms in the early stages (such as cancers or parasites). Your vet will also update you on any vaccinations your pet may need based on age.

Suppose your veterinarian notices any behavioral issues with your pet, such as weight loss or a change in their eating or exercise habits. In that case, they usually recommend some intervention, including training, medication, or referral to a veterinary behaviorist. Behavioral problems are much more complex to diagnose and address once they reach the more serious, advanced stages, which is why regular veterinary checkupsare so important.

Ask Questions

When pet owners feel they have a true partner in their veterinarian, the emotional strain of watching an ill or elderly pet can be lessened. Having an ally integral to their pet's health can help them cope with the stress of medical procedures and the potential cost.

Veterinarians should be encouraged to form meaningful relationships with their clients, especially during routine checkups. This will allow them to detect early signs of ill health or disease and offer the client options for treatment.

Aside from showing up for appointments on time, pet owners can demonstrate their willingness to build a relationship with their vet by asking questions. If they do not understand a specific detail, their vet should be willing to explain it further. Likewise, if the vet is unsure about a particular issue, they should be open to discussing it with a colleague. This demonstrates that the vet is genuinely concerned about the patient's welfare.

Listen to Your Vet

Your vet is an expert in their field. They know the risks and benefits of vaccinations, heartworm prevention, routine deworming, and other wellness programs. But they can only provide you with the best guidance when they have a clear picture of your pet's health and lifestyle.

Regular wellness exams help your veterinarian detect diseases in their early stages when they are less costly and more accessible. This is especially important for diseases common in senior pets that typically start asymptomatically.

If you have multiple animals, bring them in one at a time so your vet can give each pet the attention it deserves. Being punctual also acknowledges that you value your vet's time and expertise. And if there is ever anything you don't understand, ask your vet to clarify. They will happily explain it in a way that makes sense for you. They want you to feel comfortable and confident in their care for your pet.

I Made Pernil And It Was Delicious #recipes #dinner

 Yesterday I made Pernil. I have been craving it since last August when a friend had her daughter's graduation party.

I grabbed the pernil recipe from Kitchen Gidget. It was marinated for over 18 hours as I prepped it yesterday morning and my son had 2 helpings so it is a win/win for me.