Category: Home

Buying a new pair of UGG boots for men Neumel Weather will treat yourself to comfort and style in the great outdoors, especially if you are new to walking, can be a little daunting. A good pair of boots that will last you for years will cost upwards of £100, no small investment.

Firstly, go to a good outdoors shop where the staff are knowledgeable. It is no good buying from a place where the staff clearly are not the outdoors types. Talk to the staff, tell them the sort of walking you will be doing and how often and they will be able to make some recommendations.
Below is a guide that could help you to avoid the bullsh*%t factor from sales assistants …
Starting at the front of the boot, check the toe box, that will save your toes from a battering when crossing rocky ground. A firm toe box is needed if you intend doing a lot of mountain walking, it is not so critical if you will be mainly on fells and farmland or other easy and fairly even surfaces.

Leading back from the toe you will find the rubber rand, this adds durability to the boot and protection from rocks; a full rand, such as those found on Meindl boots, helps keep the water out of the bottom of the boot when wading through shallow puddles.

Talking of waterproofing, a boot with a Gore-tex lining is the best, but only initially. The lining will inevitable fail well before the boot is worn out. It also can make the boot a little more clammy, despite its breathability. Leather treatments are getting better and better and you will find most boots will be pretty waterproof if treated regularly. A shop in the Lakes told me not to clean my boots before treating them as the dirt helps to seal them against water. I am not so sure about that, it sounds that could make them less breathable – I find that the waterproofing is absorbed better after they have been cleaned. Make up your own mind! One piece uppers are a definite if you are looking for waterproof boots – fewer stitching holes and seams to allow the ingress of water. Most boots now also have bellows tongues – the tongue is linked to the upper which also helps to keep water out.

At the other end of the boot, the heel cup is the next thing to consider. For mountain walking or walking over rocky ground, you need a stiff heel cup – this will hold the foot in place and reduce the likelihood of blisters. For the same terrain, you need also a boot with a stiff midsole. The midsole is hidden from view, between the sole and the footbed of the boot. Test the stiffness of the heel cup in the same way as the toe box. To check the midsole stiffness, try bending the toe up and also twisting the boot. If you intend to do winter walking using crampons, you need a very stiff midsole.

For walking on uneven ground, support for the foot is essential, to test this, either use something hard under your sole or use the corner of a step. Boots that offer little support in these situations will leave your feet fatigued and possibly sore after a day on an uneven surface. Consider also the ankle cuff, this can give useful extra support but if it is very stiff, it can easily rub your heel or ankles on a walk.

On the sole, look for deep, widely spaced lugs and grooves, a useful measure is the thickness of 2 one pound coins placed together. A softer sole will give better grip on rocks but will wear out faster.

OK, so you have selected your ideal boot but remember, it must fit properly and be comfortable! Check for tongue padding by lacing the boot up, you should not feel the laces through it. Check the fit is right by wearing your walking socks when you try on the boot, it should be about 15mm or a little less. A convenient way of testing this is to loosen the laces and push your foot forward, until the toe contacts the inside of the toe box. You can then check the gap at the back of your heel. When laced up, the upper should feel snug and comfy round your foot. If you are aware of the lace eyelets against your feet then that can lead to soreness. Squeeze the upper of the boot as well, a soft upper may be more comfortable initially but unless you are going to be sticking only to gentle walking on good surfaces, you are better with a stiffer upper.

To sum up, decide on your style of walking before buying a boot, take your walking socks with you and talk to the staff when you are trying on the boot. This short guide is not the definitive guide to buying a walking boot but it may help you to spot sales BS.

Disclaimer (probably not necessary but here goes …): This is intended for your information only, you need to accept the responsibility for your own purchase – we cannot be held responsible for any problems that arise from the purchase of your boots. We recommend that you take the advice of the sales person in the shop and make up your own mind about the boot.

For great idas about walking and more useful walking articles, visit A Taste of the Peak District, one of the leading web sites about the second most visited National Park in the world.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kevin_Woodward/20289

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/369274

Understand how theories try to explain children’s development is somehow challenging in our childcare courses. Some retirement communities are planned, others just happen. The latter are sometimes referred to by urban planners as NORCs – “naturally occurring retirement communities.” They’ve emerged as an attractive way for seniors to age successfully in their homes by tapping into community support services and volunteer programs.

It is estimated that there are thousands of these naturally occurring retirement communities across the United States, and that approximately 27 percent of our senior citizens live in them. So what are NORCs?

AGING IN PLACE

These are communities or neighborhoods where residents have lived and aged together long enough for a naturally occurring retirement community to evolve. Residents have either aged in place by living in their homes for several decades, or older adults have migrated into the same community where they intend to spend the rest of their lives.

NORC is a demographic term used to describe a community not originally designed for seniors, but one that has grown naturally to have 40 to 65% of its residents over age 60. These communities were originally built for young adults and were never intended to meet the particular health and social service needs of seniors.

The term NORC was first coined in the 1980’s by Michael Hunt, a professor of urban planning. NORCs were originally identified in urban settings, but are now found in all geographic locations. They are usually small by design and span a few square miles with a base of 1000 to 3000 people. They can be as small as a city apartment building or as large as a suburban neighborhood with single family homes.

NORCs can be categorized into three types:

• Classic NORC: This is a single age-integrated apartment building, a housing complex with multiple buildings under common management or a number of apartment buildings clustered together.
• Neighborhood-Based NORC: This is an age-integrated neighborhood of one- and two-family homes.
• Rural NORC: This is a large geographic area with a low population density, typically comprised of one-and two-family homes.

DESIGNING & IMPLEMENTING A NORC PROGRAM

NORCs are privately developed and managed, and relatively new, so there is no centralized listing of programs. The best place to find information on NORCs is online. Listed below are a few good sources to help in determining if there’s an existing model that suits your community:

• The United Hospital Fund at www.norcblueprint.org
• www.norcs.org
• Aging Agencies in many states have information on NORCs

Each NORC is different and focuses on local needs and individual communities. Funding, staffing and services should reflect a specific community and the staff may consist of full-time and part-time employees and numerous volunteers. NORCs may be largely supported by member dues of $500 or more per year or seniors may pay little or nothing, with the bulk of the support coming from local foundations, charity-supported agencies and government funds. The key requirement is a healthy mix of private and public funds.

Seniors should play a central role in the development of the NORC program. They are clients with diverse needs and interests, and residents with a rich network of relationships, knowledge and expertise. Effective programs will enable seniors to take on new roles in their communities as leaders and project developers. There is the evolving realization by large numbers of seniors that their participation is required in the building of their later lives. Retirement can extend 25 to 30 years and without a community support system, seniors run the risk of health challenges and isolation.

NATURALLY OCCURRING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM

Some organizations and local governments have brought together social services, health care, transportation and residents to develop a NORC supportive services program (NORC-SSP). This program receives funding from private sector contributions; charitable donations; resident membership or activity fees; and federal, state, and local grant funding. NORC-SSPs directly service seniors in the Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities and may provide:

• Social work case management
• Transportation
• Mental health services
• Social and cultural events
• Home care
• Bereavement support
• Meals
• Home repair and maintenance
• Exercise classes
• Continuing Education programs

NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGES

There is another type of community that has evolved and may be confused as a NORC; but based on the concentrated percentage of seniors required to be called a NORC, these communities are called neighborhood villages instead. These communities are grassroots movements providing services and programs for their aging population. Some villages provide services and programs for members only who pay annual membership fees, while others charge nothing for services. Some set a minimum age for membership. All rely heavily on neighborhood volunteers. Services provided may be:

• Transportation
• Social and educational programs
• Friendly visits or phone calls
• Assistance with household repairs and maintenance

Neighborhood villages face constant challenges with funding, and some charge annual membership fees. Others seek funding from other sources. The first neighborhood village was organized in Boston, Massachusetts in 2001 and is called the Beacon Hill Village.

AN ALTERNATIVE IDEA

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities are the new alternative for aging in place in the neighborhood where you raised your family and made lifelong friends. Options for organizing this type of community may seem overwhelming and complex, but the underlying principle is simplicity: neighbors caring for neighbors in a close-knit community.

Carolyn Cook is a healthcare designer of twenty five years who has taken her expertise into the private home helping people live safely and independently in their homes for as long as they choose. Carolyn is now the Owner of LiveSmart Design–an interior design firm specializing in the residential design of kitchens and bathrooms utilizing the principles of Universal Design, sustainability and healthcare. As an advocate of affordable Senior Housing, a proponent for Universal Design and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Carolyn frequently presents to local community groups, industry professionals and senior organizations on the topic of Universal Design, Visit-ability and aging-in-place. She is active in the Davidson Committee on Aging, the Falls Prevention Coalition, the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the US Green Building Council. Carolyn can be reached at http://www.livesmartdesign.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carolyn_J_Cook/1481942

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7461205

The primary reason why most homeowners and business persons have chosen electrician 24 hours Melbourne services is that we the most co-efficient handymen in Melbourne, especially in terms of maintenance, plumbing, and electrical services. When thinking of ways to prepare food faster, while not sacrificing quality and nutrition, investing in a pressure canner or cooker is one obvious choice.

Now you may also be wondering if you should get a standard or electric model. This article will help you understand and avoid the pitfalls and appreciate the convenience an electric pressure cooker has to offer vs a traditional model.

CONS:

Lets start with the “Cons” since they are a bit more subtle, but understanding those will help you better contextualize the “Pros”.

1) Less durability: Typically electric models do not last as long as their non-electric counterparts. You can see this reflected in the shorter warranties on an electric vs. traditional model. The reason for this? With more complicated parts and electronics on an electric pressure cooker there is more possibility for failure. Many newer models come with extra electronics, press button displays, and other convenient features. Generally electronics do not like the excessive heat with which these appliances operate. Durability varies by brand and quality, some are better than others, but as a rule it is true electric models may not last as long.

2) Lower PSI: To operate a pressure cooker it needs high pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Higher pressure makes steam hotter than normal and allows food to cook faster. Often times electric pressure cookers, especially the older ones, cannot achieve the 15 PSI that is standard for traditional models. I’m sure It has something to do with the heating units, as well as safety concerns and costs factors. Whatever the reason, you have to be cautious when getting an Electric model, they often top out at 9-12 PSI. Lower PSI means lower temperature and thus slower cooking. Moreover, it is an annoyance since most pressure cooker recipes assume 15 PSI, so adjusting can be a pain. Basically, get one that goes to 15 PSI if you can.

3) Historical Safety issues: This is more of a problem with older models, and I think honestly, the lax attitude of users resulting in user error. Because electric pressure cookers are so easy, people often push limits unintentionally or leave it unattended for long periods on ill advised settings. Some have noted that electric pressure cookers tend to have less redundant safety valves than the traditional designs do. This is true, you may want to stay away from those models. But some of the horror stories can be explained by misuse. If you accidentally over fill with liquid (a big no-no) it increases the likelihood of clogging and overflow. Compounded that with not being in the room to see the overflow occurring, and you can see how big disasters might occur, generating bad rap through user error. Don’t worry, If you follow the manual, especially on new models, you will likely never have an issue.

PROS:

The Pros are much more straightforward:

1) Ease of use and Convenience: This is huge, with all the automatic timers, food specific cooking settings, PSI adjustment and other features that can be loaded onto an electric model, they save a bunch of time. Also, some will argue this cancels out the lower PSI issues, since if the cooker can be started with the touch of a button and walked away from, who cares if it takes a bit longer to cook?

2) Consistent heating: Electric designs have the heating source inside them. A traditional cooker may have to deal with various cooking surfaces such as gas range, electrical coil or glass top. When it comes to a gas range, traditional pressure cookers perform masterfully, but some people report problems with electric ranges. The reason is that pressure cookers want an even, steady heat. If temperature bounces around too much then pressure is inconstant which makes calculating cooking time difficult, risking over or under cooking. Often people over-correct with glass top and coil ranges due to the nature of how they heat. I’ve never found a problem cooking on a glass top, but even If you do run into this problem you should be able to overcome it with a little trial and error. But that’s part of the argument for electric pressure cookers, why go through the trouble? Just get an electric pressure cooker to begin with.

So there you have it. You now know some of the not so obvious considerations when choosing between an electric and a traditional stove top pressure canners and cookers. Don’t agonize over it too much. If nothing above jumps out at you then go with whatever model you find that offers the best quality at your price point. Remember: if you stick to good quality brands, and follow the manual, you should not encounter any difficulties, whether you go traditional or electric.

Debbie Lawrence is a mother of 2 who owns her own part-time catering business. She writes about food and the history of food. Her latest project revolves around Presto products such as the electric pressure cooker. She explains how they can make life easier in the kitchen and what to look for in purchasing.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Deborah_M_Lawrence/1329997

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7025179