Common credit myths about buying a home

(ARA) - Whether your annual earnings range well into six figures or are on the more modest end of national salary averages, you know you'll probably need credit to buy a home. While you likely know how important credit is to your home-buying plans, you may not be aware of the truth behind some common credit myths. Myth: If your bills are paid and you've never defaulted on a loan, mortgage or credit card bill, you don't need to worry about your credit report or credit score. Truth: Many factors influence your credit score, and payment history is just one of them. When calculating your score, credit bureaus also consider length of credit history, types of credit used and ratio of credit available to credit used. Even if your payment history is good, scoring lower on one of the other factors could lower your overall credit score. Myth: As long as you know your credit score, you don't need to look at your credit report before applying for a mortgage. Truth: A lender will certainly look at your credit report, so you should know what's on it before they do. Errors may occur on a credit report, and if there are any negative marks on your credit history you'll want to know about them - and address them - before a lender asks. Myth: Checking your credit score is a hassle, and it can't really help you manage your credit in the long run. Truth: Websites like FreeCreditScore.com make it easy to check your credit score. Keep in mind that lenders use a variety of scores when evaluating credit worthiness, and the one you obtain online will vary from what a lender might see. Still, any score can be a valuable educational tool that helps you better understand how lenders view your credit. FreeCreditScore.com's Credit Score Center can help you understand how your score is calculated, which factors impact it and the best time to apply for credit. Myth: If your credit is not perfect, you won't be able to get a mortgage. Truth: Lenders are more strict than they've been in the past and a good credit score and report can certainly make you a more appealing prospect to them. However, a score in the lower range doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage at all. But a higher score is likely to net you more options - and better terms. Myth: When you apply for a mortgage, the lender could share your personal information (including your credit score and history) with other companies. Truth: The law limits how banks and other financial institutions can use your information and to whom they can disclose it. If you're not sure how a lender may use your information, ask. Depending on the situation, you may be able to limit disclosure of your information. Home prices and interest rates are still low across the country, making it a good time to buy a house, real estate experts say. Knowing the truth behind some common credit myths - and understanding your own credit history and score - can help you take advantage of the many opportunities still available for home buyers.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

10 ways to prevent hearing loss

(ARA) - Hearing loss affects more than 34 million Americans. If detected early, it may be a preventable chronic disease. Here are 10 ways to help prevent, delay or reduce the extent of hearing loss. 1. Noise exposure. Are you one of the more than 22 million American workers exposed to excessive levels of noise in the workplace? Are you one of those listening to iPods, shooting firearms, riding motorbikes, or working with lawn and garden tools? These devices are causing hearing loss at alarmingly high rates. Most noise is painless, progressive, permanent and preventable. Noise exposure is the second most common cause of hearing loss worldwide and is the most preventable. You should wear hearing protectors or avoid exposure to loud sounds. Turn down the volume and reduce the length of time you listen to your iPod or mp3 player. Studies show that people who wear noise canceling or noise reduction earphones with iPod or mp3 players typically listen to music at safer levels. 2. Cotton swabs. Why take a chance on making matters worse? Cotton swabs and ear candling are unhealthy practices to remove earwax, to clean or scratch your ear canals. Don't use cotton swabs to clean inside your ear canal. It can push the earwax in further and you could puncture your eardrum. 3. Smoking. Smoking tobacco and second-hand smoke can contribute to hearing loss. Studies suggest that chronic nicotine exposure impairs the brain's ability to "hear" and interpret sound. Along with the other reasons to stop smoking, you can reduce your likelihood of greater hearing loss if you quit or stay out of smoky places. 4. Diabetes. Diabetics are twice as likely to have hearing loss. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining proper weight and daily exercise can help you avoid type 2 diabetes. 5. Alcohol. Too much alcohol can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Recently, researchers found that drinking 2 beers in a half an hour can cause temporary hearing loss for up to 16 hours. 6. Solvents. Avoid organic solvents. Organic solvents (such as styrene and toluene) are commonly found in paints, lacquers and industrial printing inks. Studies have shown that these substances have a negative effect on your hearing. 7. Medications. There are at least 96 different drugs that may cause permanent or temporary hearing loss. When you stop taking aspirin and aspirin-containing drugs, your hearing may come back. Excessive use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), cisplatin (a cancer drug) and erectile dysfunction drugs can also cause hearing loss. 8. Antioxidants. Antioxidants and vitamin supplements may help prevent hearing loss. Hearing loss due to aging may be prevented with a combination of antioxidants, mineral and vitamin supplements such as folic acid and magnesium. A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and meats may protect hearing in later life. 9. Your heart. Maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. There is a strong correlation between heart health and good hearing. Newly published reports show that a healthy cardiovascular system increases the likelihood of maintaining hearing, particularly among older adults. 10. See an audiologist. If you think you may have hearing loss, an audiologist will test, monitor and offer solutions to help you function better. An audiologist is a licensed health care provider who is trained to diagnose and manage your loss, as well as offer preventative measures. To find an audiologist in your area go to www.audiologyawareness.com or call (888) 833-EARS (3277).

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Don't let uninvited guests ruin your outdoor summer plans

(ARA) - Many people look forward to the start of summer because it brings the chance to host barbecues and enjoy time outdoors. Unfortunately, people aren't the only ones looking forward to the season. Warmer weather also means that flying and stinging pests are looking for places to breed and thrive, and backyards provide the habitat they need. When pests like bees and mosquitoes take over your yard, outdoor hosting and relaxing becomes much less attractive. While pests can make enjoying your outdoor space uncomfortable, they can also spread diseases like the West Nile virus and cause allergic reactions. It's important to take some preventative steps at the beginning of the season to make your yard a safer and more enjoyable place to be all season. "A large part of minimizing biting and stinging pests in your backyard is knowing what attracts them in the first place," says Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin. "Reducing the things that attract pests can make your summer safer and more enjoyable." Harrison offers the following tips to help avoid flying and stinging pests: * Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin to deter bites and stings. * Pour out water collecting in items like flower pots, dog bowls and bird baths. Standing water provides the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so scan your yard regularly for places where water could collect. * Use a weed trimmer to thin vegetation near your home, as thick vegetation provides a place for both bees and mosquitoes to nest. * Don't leave food or drink containers uncovered for long periods of time. Pests are attracted to human food sources and stinging pests can often enter cans unseen. * Fit screens and tighten seals properly on doors and windows to prevent pests from entering into your home. * If you think you may be having an allergic reaction to a bite or a sting, consult a physician immediately. * Call a licensed pest control technician to address nests or other issues that may be causing your pest problems. Everyone is anxious to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather, so don't let summer pests force you back indoors. For more information, instructional pest safety videos or to receive a free home inspection, visit www.orkin.com.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Osteoporosis and cancer patients with spinal fractures get back pain relief from minimally invasive procedure

(ARA) - Osteoporosis sufferer Virginia Klucikowski, an 87-year-old retired school nurse from Evergreen Park, Ill., and cancer patient David Sepulveda, a 65-year-old worker for the Chicago Transit Authority, are among those who annually suffer an estimated 1.4 million spinal fractures worldwide. They are also among 700,000 who have benefited from a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of spinal fractures. This procedure known as Kyphon(R) Balloon Kyphoplasty has been shown in two recent studies to provide better back pain relief, quality of life and back function than non-surgical treatment of painful spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis and cancer. The Cancer Patient Fracture Evaluation study showed that cancer patients who were treated with Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty had clinically and statistically significant improvement in back-specific function, back pain, and quality of life one month after treatment compared with those who obtained non-surgical care. The Fracture Reduction Evaluation study showed that those patients treated with Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty experienced statistically significant improvement in back pain, quality of life and mobility, and had greater satisfaction with their treatment on average over two years compared with patients receiving non-surgical care. Neither Klucikowski nor Sepulveda was a subject in either study. Both Klucikowski and Sepulveda were treated by Dr. John O'Toole, a professor of neurosurgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Regarding balloon kyphoplasty, O'Toole says, "The benefits can be near immediate pain relief of the fracture and the ability to get the patient back to a high level of function faster than typical non-operative courses of treatment." During this procedure, a needle and tube are used to create a small pathway into the fractured bone, generally on both sides of the vertebral body. Orthopedic balloons are inserted inside the fractured bone in an attempt to return it to its correct position. Inflation creates cavities in the vertebral body that are filled with bone cement, forming an "internal cast." Klucikowski's back pain started in January 2010 when she fell while walking her friend's dog. "All of the sudden I was flying up in the air, and then I came down hard on my fanny," she says. "I felt my organs inside of my body go up and down." By the time Klucikowski saw O'Toole, it had been a few weeks since her fall and her back pain was severe. Lying down in bed she was fine, but any movement led to muscle spasms all throughout her back. Klucikowski was active prior to her fall and since she was experiencing such centralized pain at her back fracture location, O'Toole says he felt that Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty would potentially bring about back pain relief and get her back to her high levels of activity. Klucikowski was treated as an outpatient with general anesthesia, and she was able to go home that evening. Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty can be performed with local or general anesthesia and on an in-patient or out-patient basis based on medical necessity depending on what the physician feels is best for the patient. "She did very well and had almost immediate improvement in her fracture-related pain. Within a week, she was off all of her pain medications and was up and around and active," O'Toole says. The complication rate with Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low. There are risks associated with the procedure (e.g., cement leakage), including serious complications, and though rare, some of which may be fatal. This procedure is not for everyone. A prescription is required. Results may vary. Keep in mind that all procedure and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Patients should consult their physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, clinical results, and other important medical information. It is important that patients discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of this procedure with their doctor prior to receiving the procedure, and that patients rely on their physician's judgment. Only a doctor can determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for this procedure. Unlike Klucikowski, Sepulveda didn't know what was causing the back pain that he felt for about a year. Then he was diagnosed in May 2010 with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow that decreases the bone strength. In June 2010, Sepulveda's oncologist sent him to O'Toole, who diagnosed a spinal fracture, but due to extensive bone breakdown at his spine fracture, he was not initially a candidate for balloon kyphoplasty. In August, after undergoing systemic therapy and radiation, Sepulveda was still experiencing back pain. The treatments had allowed the bone to reconstitute enough so that O'Toole could move forward with the procedure. Sepulveda was treated as an inpatient and received general anesthesia. "Kyphoplasty offered him a chance at pain relief without undergoing a major reconstructive procedure, which obviously could be complicated in a cancer patient undergoing cancer therapy with poor bone quality," says O'Toole. Sepulveda has recovered well after the procedure and as of 2011 is able to walk around and sleep comfortably. For more detailed information on the findings of the two recent studies, go to www.compressionfracturestudy.com. For more information on Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty, go to www.balloonkyphoplasty.com. O'Toole is a consultant for Medtronic, creator of Kyphon Balloon Kyphoplasty. Kyphon(R) Balloon Kyphoplasty incorporates technology developed by Gary K. Michelson, M.D.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Summer grilling meets healthy potato salad

(ARA) - Surprise and delight the family by combining two summertime favorites - grilling and potato salad - into one to create unique flavors and a new star side dish. Cooking potatoes on the grill adds a smoky flavor to these vegetables. Another twist to this traditional potato dish is switching up the potato type. Try Russets, reds, fingerlings, blues, purples, yellows or whites tonight. It's no wonder potatoes are America's favorite side dish - they're naturally delicious and nutritious. * At just 110 calories, potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to providing a good source of potassium, a medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on potato has almost half your daily value of vitamin C (45 percent), and has absolutely no fat, sodium or cholesterol. * Pound for pound, potatoes are also still one of the least expensive items in the produce department. One serving - a medium potato - will set you back only about 25 cents. * Potatoes are a key part of the vegetable section of the new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate guidelines. Potatoes are specifically recognized as a vegetable selected to meet the critical need for more potassium and are included multiple times in sample MyPlate menu plans. * You can lose the weight, without losing the potatoes. Potatoes can be a part of a weight loss program, according to research released by the University of California, Davis and the National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology, in October 2010. With no stove-top or oven required, this Grilled Pesto Potato Salad recipe is easy to prepare and is guilt-free at just 210 calories per serving. With 784 mg of potassium, it also packs nearly 20 percent of your daily value of the essential mineral - more than a banana. Grilled Pesto Potato Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: about 15 to 20 minutes Ingredients: 3 pounds medium-size red potatoes Olive oil cooking spray 1/3 cup white or golden balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 3 cloves garlic, minced Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup finely minced fresh basil 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional) Directions: Place potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover with lid or plastic wrap. Note: If using plastic wrap, make sure plastic wrap is not touching any ingredients and poke one small hole in cover to vent. Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender (cooking time may vary depending on microwave). Use oven mitts to carefully remove from microwave. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half or quarters and spray liberally with olive oil spray. Grill over high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until grill lines are apparent. Remove from grill and let cool. Cut into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Whisk together vinegar, oil, salt and garlic; pour over potatoes and toss lightly to coat. Season with pepper, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with Parmesan cheese and basil, then sprinkle with pine nuts. Makes 8 servings. Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories: 210, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 230mg, Potassium: 784mg, Carbohydrates: 29g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 5g, Vitamin A: 2 percent, Vitamin C: 60 percent, Calcium: 8 percent, Iron: 8 percent Visit www.potatogoodness.com to see more healthy potato salad recipes, how-to videos and potato nutrition information.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.