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It's what inside that counts is a good mantra for dealing with people, but when it comes to houses, the outside is just as important. Routine exterior maintenance makes a world of difference to a home's look and quality, not to mention the homeowner's wallet. Severe weather, sun exposure and moisture buildup wreaks havoc on a home's exterior. Pinpointing and repairing damaged areas before they escalate into major problems preserves the homes value and saves the homeowners from much more costly repairs down the road.

Annual spring or summer checkups, are a great way to preserve the beauty and value of your home. These are ideal times to identify weather damage and complete any needed repairs before cooler weather sets in. Some professional painting contractors provide this service to their customers free of charge, such as Hester Painting & Decoratings Exterior Maintenance Program.

You can also follow these simple steps to assess the health of your home:

1) Walk around your homes exterior and look for any paint or caulk that has cracked, peeled or blistered. Properly painted areas not only look better, they also protect the home as exposed wood is especially prone to weather damage. Any break in the exterior finish of the house is an opening for moisture to enter, eventually leading to mildew and rot.

2) Examine your gutters and clear out any debris. Roof damage occurs when water gets backed up and leaks in, so clearing out any leaves and dirt will help prevent internal wall and ceiling damage.

3) Check all flat surfaces, such as window sills, thresholds, steps and decks for wear. Identify vulnerable areas and watch for water pooling up on the surface.

4) Pay particular attention to areas of intense sun or shade. Harsh sun can fade sections of paint finish, while portions of a home that are in deep shade may be subject to mildew and mold.

5) Be sure to protect all painted or stained outside furniture by covering or storing it before winter hits. The minimal effort involved in covering patio furniture will reward you many times over.

Routine, preventative maintenance keeps your home looking its best while dramatically reducing the cost of repairs. Whether you do it yourself or schedule an inspection with your local painting contractor, give your homes exterior an annual checkup and identify any minor issues before they develop into major problems. Youll preserve the value and beauty of your home one of your largest assets, and youll save money by avoiding extensive repairs that could have been easily resolved by early detection.

This article is provided courtesy of www.hesterdecorating.com and may be reprinted provided this courtesy notice with the author name and URL remain intact.

Jeff Hester, a.k.a. Professor Paint, is an expert on high-end painting, faux finishing and wall covering. He has 28 years experience in the field and is vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating. Visit http://www.hesterdecorating.com

Often you see articles on obesity and the health risks associated with being severely overweight. Carrying an extra 20, 50, or 100 pounds or more can put great strain on your back, your muscles, your heart, and even your mental health. You might think it stands to reason, therefore, that if being obese is bad, then the extreme opposite - being very skinny - is good.

Not really. We have discussed on this site the dangers of being underweight, and the health risks associated with starvation. When you develop an eating disorder, however, those risks can be magnified, to say nothing of being fatal. One well-known case of an eating disorder that led to an untimely demise is that of singer Karen Carpenter. Fueled by self-consciousness and a desire to escape remarks of "chubbiness" that plagued her teen years, Karen literally starved herself, avoiding food and binging on laxatives and other over-the-counter medications to lose the weight more quickly.

As it happened, Karen did not need to lose the excess weight to be considered trim and healthy. Sadly, the excess took a toll on the perfomer's heart, and she died of cardiac arrest at the age of 32. If anything positive had come from Karen's death, it brought the plight of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders to mainstream consciousness.

Now, one might think since Karen's death over twenty years ago people may have a better understanding of such disorders and work to avoid them. Unfortunately, we still find reed-thin actresses and models gracing the covers of fashion magazines. We still read tales of women and young girls who put their bodies through hell for the sake of attaining an ideal of beauty that few are able to achieve naturally. It is as if we have learned nothing.

Two of the more known eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Where a person who is anorexic strives not to eat, relying perhaps on mostly liquids and diuretics to lose weight, a bulimic engages in the very dangerous practice of eating, then throwing up everything before the food has a chance to digest. These eating disorders are usually brought on through a feeling of low self-worth or body image. Like Karen Carpenter, a person who develops such a disorder may have it in mind that he/she is fat, when in fact he/she may be at a normal weight/frame ratio or only a few pounds over. Taking a diet to such extremes will erase weight, yes, but will gain health problems, including:

* decreased blood pressure

* ulcers

* loss of menstrual cycle in women

* blood poisoning

* increased mental problems like depression

* serious heart problems

* decayed tooth enamel (from continuous vomiting)

When a person doesn't eat, the body starves for nutrients, and will search within for anything to keep the body moving. As a resul, other systems in the body may eventually shut down as a result, resulting in death. In short, anorexia is not healthy, bulimia is not healthy. Though some people are genetically disposed to being thin, not every body is meant to be that way. It would be ideal, however, for every body to be healthy.

Weight loss is not about being thin, but being healthy

A sound weight loss program like the Compuslim program should not be designed to help people become super-thin, but to help people achieve their ideal weight/frame ratio. If you choose to take dietary supplements to aid your weight loss, it is important to adapt with it a nutrition and exercise regimen that will take off the weight sensibly and safely. To take supplements means you must also eat, and follow directions on the labels. Never take more of any supplement than is prescribed or recommended, and always pair supplements with good food.

Lastly, never be disheartened by the pictures you see of ultra-thin models or celebrities. A positive outlook and personality is essential to make weight loss a success, so remember that the ideal glamorized by TV and film may not be your ideal. With patience and diligence, you can achieve your weight loss goals.

Kat Lively is a freelance health writer for Compuslim, hoodia pills for appetite suppression, FlowCushion, the ergonomic seat cushion for home and office, and for Rainfloresta, quality acai products for good health.

Why eating healthily can help with weight loss.

Can healthy eating help with weight loss?

Most definitely!

In fact, eating healthily (at least most of the time) is probably the best as well as the easiest way that you can lose weight.

Rapid weight loss is bad news - you'll most likely lose either water (which you'll replace) or muscle (which is more difficult to replace).

Following a healthy eating plan for the majority of your week is the best all round option.

Let's start with breakfast. Don't be tempted to skip this meal - it's considered the most essential meal of the day. Make sure that you eat something that will keep your hunger at bay. This means cutting out the frosted cereals as these will give you an initial sugar rush but then leave you looking for a snack mid morning.

Lunch. Again, don't skip it. If you're choosing a sandwich then look for the lower calorie options. Nowadays they're almost as tasty as the regular versions (I know the manufacturers would claim they are as tasty, but let's get real here!). Follow up with a portion of fruit. Substitute water for the sugary cola drink. Or coffee or tea, but not too much milk (or go "skinny") and as little sugar as you can cope with.

Evening meal. Don't eat too late. Ideally, eat before about 8pm so that your stomach has time to digest the food before you go to sleep. Steer clear of cream laden sauces and go easy on the sugary desserts.

By sticking close to this simple plan, you'll be eating healthier and you'll start to lose some of those excess pounds.

Check out these healthy snack options to brighten up your day and collect your free weight loss newsletter while you're there.

With Christmas fast approaching, one of the people that should be in your gift list is your teacher, especially your favorite teacher. Although it may be considered tacky to give gifts to your professors as some may see it as a form of bribery; you can still give gifts as long as they are not too expensive.

It is one way of showing teachers that you appreciate the efforts that they are making in teaching you what you need to learn. Below are some gift ideas for teachers that they will surely appreciate.

1. Cake and pastries

Who doesnt want to be given cake and pastries? This is a wonderful holiday gift especially if you are going to have it designed in festive colors and figures. Of course, before you bake the cake or before you buy one, do some research and ask around for your teachers favorite flavor. Does she love chocolate cake or is more partial to mocha or mango? Does she like cakes or does she prefer cookies or tarts? It is often good to do some digging. It shows that you care enough to spend time in research.

2. Fruits

Apples have long been associated with gifts for teachers. Well, you can do better than that by giving them a basket of fruits that they can take to the faculty room or to their homes. Include fruits that are not so usual to lend it a more unique feel. Make sure that the fruits are fresh and ripe.

3. Turkey, Ham and other Holiday feast

Another great gift that you can give your teachers are turkey, ham or any food that they can serve in their dinner table come Holiday. You can either roast them yourself or buy one from the corner store.

4. Greeting Cards

Even as simple as a Christmas greeting card is enough to make your teacher smile. There are cheap cards available in bookstores that you can use. If you dont have the money to spend for ready made Holiday cards, you can always make your own greetings cards.

In fact, they will better appreciate a handmade card because they know that it is something that you spent time and effort on. Besides, it is a great way to exercise your creativity and artistry plus of course some vocabulary!

5. Chocolates

Chocolates work their magic every time. One great time to buy lots of chocolates at really low prices is after Halloween when stores organize sale of leftover candies and chocolates from Halloween Trick or Treating.

Low Jeremy maintains http://Christmas-Gift.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?
Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?
Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?
How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?
Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately 550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately 250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.