3 Lesser-Known Swedish Inventions

Sweden may be known for IKEA and their Swedish meatballs, but more so than that, it is a land of innovation. Medical devices like pacemakers and ultrasounds were invented in Sweden, as well as safety devices such as the standard 3-point seatbelt. Great inventions have come out of Sweden, including a few items that may surprise you.

Electric Candolier

The first item on this list has recently been gaining popularity outside of Nordic countries, despite being invented in 1934. The Swedish advent candelabra was originally a German tradition but became popular in Sweden in the early 1800s. Oskar Andersson invented the first electric candolier to prevent fires that started due to candles burning all night. His creation was so popular that even today around Christmastime, windows around the world are lit up by his invention.

Adjustable Spanner

Next is the adjustable spanner, more commonly known in the United States as the crescent wrench. Its invention was originally attributed to an Englishman in 1842, but the modern design was invented by a Swedish man named Johan Petter Johansson. This wrench has gone through several iterations but the “skiftnyckel,” as the Swedes call it, has maintained its particular design featuring a moveable jaw controlled by a nut or a bolt.

The Walker

Third, the walker was invented by a Swedish woman named Aina Wifalk. In her 20s, Wifalk contracted Polio which left her struggling to walk. In 1978, Wifalk displayed her first example of what would later become a walker which included a stronger frame, a seat and larger wheels. She invented the walker so that others like her would be able to move around more freely. On top of that, she refused to patent the design so that it would remain inexpensive for those who needed it.

To learn more about Sweden’s contribution to the modern world, take some time to search the internet for more inventions. Take note, in particular, of the zipper and the safety match (the matches we use today).

Bringing Healthcare Home

Going to the doctor can be unpleasant. It's very public, involves a lot of waiting and can feel impersonal at times. There's also a lot more to a person's well-being than just medicine. There are options to bring the healthcare you need to where you are instead and receive treatment in the comfort of your own home.

If You Are Elderly

Geriatric care is dynamic and unique to each individual. It expands well beyond health care to encompass legal advice, counseling, family communication and the tasks of daily life. It's a good idea to seek out a service that can coordinate all these aspects for you, rather than trying to keep track of a different phone number for each one. Such a service may even help you organize contacts like these!

If You Have a Special Condition

Certain diagnoses require a higher and more consistent level of care than the average person, like Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Receiving at home health care bethesda md can alleviate the stress of excessive medical outings by coordinating a personalized care plan with qualified nurses who may become familiar enough to be comforting. These plans can range from occasional visits to your own live-in caregiver.

If You Require Daily Assistance

If the care you require is not so much medical, but personal, you are still in luck. Caregivers also exist to provide for the elderly and those that struggle with mobility. Services can include running errands, meal preparation, bathing assistance, chores and companionship. The presence of such assistance can also be tailored to your life; they are there for you as often as you need it.

No matter the situation, resources exist to help you through it. Even if you have friends and family at your side, sometimes outside assistance can make everyone's life easier. Asking for help can be hard, but well worth it.

Do You Need To Use Heat Protectant?

Heat and hair don't play well together, and that is why you need to find a product that will protect your hair when it is styled. That product is a heat protectant, a concoction of oils and other ingredients to moisturize your hair and reduce heat damage. Here are some tips on how to find and use the best heat protectant for relaxed hair.

What Do Heat Protectants Do?

Heat protectants provide extra moisture to help your hair withstand the high temperatures necessary for styling, particularly from straightening irons. Hair strands are made of keratin, with an inner layer filled with water and an outer layer made of overlapping cuticles. When heat is applied, the water in the core of the hair strand evaporates, drying the hair and making it brittle. Choose the best heat protectant for relaxed hair to keep it shiny and healthy.

What Do Heat Protectants Contain?

It might seem counter-intuitive, but the best heat protectants contain oils. Argon oil is a popular ingredient, as are avocado and grapeseed oils. These oils coat the hair shafts forming a protective barrier to keep moisture in during styling. Other ingredients, such as silicone, essential oils, and vitamins help protect hair during styling. Some products are available that are vegan and cruelty-free.

How Do You Use Heat Protectants?

Heat protectants help your hair retain moisture during styling, and you can boost that process with a leave-in conditioner. After washing and toweling your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and blow your hair dry. Then spray on the heat protectant and style with a straightener or hot rollers. The combination of the two products goes a long way toward keeping your hair shiny and strong. If your hair is already damaged, taking a break from styling and using an extra strong conditioner for several days is a good idea.

The right heat protectant spray can go a long way to giving you the smooth, shiny hair you are looking for. Look for rich oils and use the product together with moisturizers for strong, healthy hair.

Act Fast To Get Out Of A Timeshare Agreement

Congratulations! You've just bought a timeshare. But after a few days, you might be rethinking your decision. Getting out of a timeshare agreement can be tricky but it is not impossible.

Dealing With Buyer's Remorse

That feeling of regret after a major purchase is called buyer's remorse. You may feel that you spent too much money or find that the place isn't all it claimed to be. You could be thinking, "How can I get rid of my timeshare?" The first step is to read the contract carefully and look for a section that addresses canceling or terminating the contract. You may also want to research the laws in your state regarding a cooling off period for real estate purchases. Most states allow buyers to get out of a contract if they act within a few days to a week. If that's the case, you can proceed, but what if the time period has passed? There are still actions you can take.

Weighing Your Options

If you've checked the contract and you are within the rescission or revocation period, you can contact the management company and tell them, "I want to get rid of my timeshare." You will also need to put it in writing. But what happens if the time period has passed? You may be able to sell your share, depending upon the provisions of the agreement. You can hire a real estate agent or try to sell it yourself. Keep in mind that timeshares often don't hold their value and you are not likely to get as much as you paid for it.

Getting Help

If you have been unable to get out of the contract or to sell the timeshare, you can still seek legal advice to see if there is anything you can do. This might include taking the management company to court. If you don't want to get into a legal battle, you might consider giving the property back or selling it to a charity for a nominal sum, like $1.

If you are stuck with a timeshare you don't want, don't give up hope. There are actions you can take and people who can help you to take care of the situation.

 

 

What To Look For In A Medical Imaging Center

Having a diagnostic imaging scan can be a stressful process, so it’s important to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. When you are looking for a medical imaging center, be sure to choose one that has trusted and experienced professionals who can provide you with the best care available. Here are some guidelines to help you find the imaging center that best fits your needs.

Advanced Imaging Technologies

Access to the latest imaging technologies is a vital element of a reputable imaging center. Since the quality of its technology can determine the accuracy of the diagnosis you receive, this aspect should not be overlooked during your search. Whether you are visiting the facility for a digital X-ray or a procedure in an Open MRI machine, being examined with state-of-the-art technology can make your visit more successful.

Well-Trained Staff

It is crucial to be serviced by medical professionals who are highly qualified and who have been well trained in the imaging profession. Having knowledgeable and friendly staff around you can make a significantly positive difference in the way you experience your diagnostic scan. When you are under the care of physicians who do their job well, you can feel more at ease during your procedure.

Safe Environment

Needless to say, the imaging center you choose should suggest that standard safety regulations are a priority. Make sure that the facility is clean and comfortable before you undergo your procedure. Basic safety and hygiene is essential at a trusted center, so it’s important to verify that the one you will be visiting adheres to these regulations.

Finding the best medical imaging center for your diagnostic scan is important. Make sure that you’re choosing a facility that puts you at ease and serves you in the most professional way possible.

Collecting Or Investing

If you grew up in the 80s (or even the 50s, 60s, or 70s) you may have shoeboxes filled with things you thought might be worth millions or billions one day. If you’re like me, you thought that every week you earned an allowance or earned money if you ran to the baseball card shop or comic book shop, you were investing in your future. (I thought buying every single Darryl Strawberry rookie card would guarantee enough money for a mansion.) Or at least a big enough house for the 6 kids I planned to have.

Sometimes, I’d buy extra packs and keep half of them sealed since my dad always said they would be worth more if left unopened. I did the same with comic books, stamps, superhero action figures, books, toys from my favorite horror movies, vinyl, and I still do this to this day. I “invest’ in a lot of different things from my favorite bands, movies, I even started investing in stamp collections for my kids. Not to mention, they get to inherit the baseball cards and comic books I have stashed away in shoeboxes and those nice albums with the pockets and pages. The problem is, every time I look something up, it isn’t worth anything. Sure, the hockey jerseys and autographs from our favorite players are worth something to us and you never really know if they make it big, that stuff could go for quite a bit of money. I also wonder if I’ll ever really sell it anyway, even if it ends up being worth a lot. I also wonder how much money I would have available had I saved the money I spent collecting things.

I think my most favorite part of collecting these things are the memories each item holds. I have a story for every single thing I bought over the years and it’s nice to be able to hold onto those memories! There are times when you find out those toy collections you had as a kid would be worth a fortune but, you reached a certain age and ended up selling everything at a flea market or yard sale. (My husband did this with his GI Joe and He-Man collections.) But, there are still ways to manage your investments whether it is in the form of collections or maybe investing in something such as gold or bitcoin or stocks. Or maybe you prefer to collect “grown-up” things like rocks, paintings, gemstones, or watches.

Even if you collect toys and comic books, you may want to check into the laws regarding the amount of money you might earn from your investments. Unfortunately, there are tax laws and you could be hit with a whopping 28% tax. That’s pretty huge when you consider you aren’t allowed to deduct anything for your collectibles. However, if you were investing in stocks, you would be taxed at the same rate but can offset capital gains with losses. Another grown-up thing to think about is homeowners insurance. It isn’t too easy to find a decent policy that will give you your monies worth for every single thing you own. If you have a lot of prized possessions, you may need to bump up your insurance policy. If you want to list each item separately and insure each piece individually, you will need to pay a bit more for your policy and be very thorough in your record keeping. Otherwise, you could just insure the contents of your home with a blanket policy and set the limit for each item. If something unfortunate happens, you may not get the price you paid or the value for it but, you will be able to escape the high prices that come with itemized coverage.

I’ve found that when I check online to try to find what things are worth, what collections are holding up in value, it is a little hard to find a direct answer unless you know what you’re looking for. Sure, people can post on eBay and claim that the Beanie Baby collection they’re selling is worth $50,000 but, is it really? You can say it’s worth whatever you want but if people aren’t buying it, it’s probably not worth much of anything. If you find yourself stuck with a bunch of sports cards and toys and a savings account with a balance of $5, how do you plan on purchasing a house or a car or any of the other cool things your collections were supposed to buy?

While I wouldn’t ever consider getting rid of my collections or even selling them. I may consider if the price is right. Until then, I intend on keeping these things and passing them onto my children in the future. Whatever you choose to do with your investments, you can contact The Associates Home Loan Of Florida to ask for help when you’re ready to buy a home. There are so many ways to earn money these days, especially with the Internet!

If you did make good decisions on your investments and you decided to invest in artwork or diamonds, you’re in a great spot for your future and most likely your children’s future and their children’s futures! There are so many different things to buy and invest in and so many ways to earn money and save money and so many different types of situations and nontraditional income anymore. It’s always super helpful to find advice for your own unique situation. Plus, you don’t have to be a billionaire to buy a new home.

As for your collections, whether they are worth monetary value to anyone or not, you should still find joy in collecting! It would be boring if you had friends over for a few games of pool and you had nothing on the walls or on your bookshelves to look at. Besides, everybody needs a hobby and I am still waiting to find out what happens when we grow up. (and I’m 45!)

Should You Sue After An Injury

I can think of a few times over the past couple of decades where I have been injured due to someone else’s negligence but, ultimately, decided I should just “deal with it” and move on. After a few of these injuries on top of a few bone and joint issues, I already had, I ended up being permanently disabled after all. I’m not sure what a lawsuit would have done in all of my cases or even one of my cases. But, I do wish I would have thought things through a little better. At least in a couple of cases.

I used to think it would be rude or maybe I just didn’t necessarily have to “go after” anyone for injuries that I otherwise would not have had had it not been for an unlicensed driver or a job that didn’t care about countless employees with similar injuries or the surgeon who failed miserably and ended up making matters far worse than what they were, to begin with. I figured I would be OK and would just eventually get better. It turns out, I was wrong and I could have possibly won a personal injury lawsuit and maybe at the least, had medical bills paid or my missed income paid for. So, what constitutes a legitimate personal injury lawsuit? If you would have asked me years ago, I would have said, “Oh, I imagine a case such as being run over by a truck and having your legs amputated.” Or “Having surgery and the surgeons do the wrong surgery that was actually meant for the patient in the room next to you.” If you would ask me now, I would say that you should seek legal help immediately after any injury, period. Why? Because, like in my case (cases), you may not have any idea how bad that injury could possibly be. Now, I would seek legal help right away, just in case I will need it.

You’re Injured, Now What?

Seek medical attention, of course! That’s a given! But, while the injury and the steps that led to that injury are still fresh in your mind, you should take the time to write everything down for your own records. Include any evidence you may have whether photos or witness names. The more information, the better. Continue to keep that notebook with you at all times so you can write down and record any phone calls, conversations, medical records, keep track of lost wages, anything that may help you when you confront the person, the insurance company, whoever is responsible for your injury.

Depending on the type of injury or accident, you may be unsure of exactly who is responsible for your injury. Naturally, auto insurance will be responsible for auto accidents, property insurance for an injury that happened on someone’s property, and so on. As soon as you determine who will be responsible, it’s probably best to go ahead and contact that person to let them know you have been injured. Depending on your state, or the state this happened in, you may only have a year from the date of the injury to file a claim so you should do this fairly quickly. Remember to log all of the conversations, letters, calls, jot down anyone and everyone you spoke with and dates and times. This will be extremely important whether you have an attorney at this point in time or not.

Contact a personal injury lawyer to help no matter how small you think your injury may be. They will be able to help you make decisions whether it will be in your best interest to seek legal action or possibly settle out of court. KFB law has an online chat set up as well as a number for you to call anytime so you can put your mind at ease!

Why Should I Consider A Personal Injury Lawsuit?

You may assume that your injury just isn’t so bad or that you should recover in no time and be able to manage on your own. As I mentioned earlier, I felt the same way in every incident I was involved with. Now, I am still fighting for disability, (I am currently on my 5th appeal.) and I have monthly doctor visits and medication even when I don’t end up with a new injury or issue. I wish I had thought ahead rather than assuming I’d be OK.

Consider the future and what type of injury you have. Did you end up with nerve damage? Did you break bones? Will this injury end up causing more pain and more medical problems in the future? Will you end up with arthritis or require surgery? There are so many things to consider! Has your quality of life been affected? Will it be affected by all of the medications, ongoing procedures, surgeries, and doctor’s office visits? How much will your co-pays be? How much income did you already miss? Will you be able to perform at your current job or will you need to be trained in another field or even worse, will you be able to work at all?

One of the most important things that a life-changing injury can affect quite severely, is your family. There really isn’t a way to put a price on something like this. But if you require things such as scooters, wheelchairs, braces, a medication that will help you get through your day, whatever you may need to be able to live your life to the fullest, you may want to consider discussing this with an attorney.

While I can still drive and take my kids to their after-school activities, games, lessons, whatever they are involved with at the time, I am out for several days afterward. The lack of mobility, pain, and swelling are enough to knock me out, almost literally! But, you have to do your best to live a “normal” life and give your children, grandchildren, spouse, your family, a “normal” life. Over the years, I have found so many ways to entertain and spend quality time with my children that don’t necessarily require me to leave the house and run around the block or walk to the park. I miss those things but, I do what I can. I lucked out in a sense considering I can still somewhat get around on a “good” day. But, often times, not everyone is as lucky. These are the things you need to focus on when trying to decide if a personal injury lawsuit is really worth it.