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The Dangers of Driver Fatigue

The Dangers of Driver Fatigue

Drivers face a number of threats every time they go on the road. One of the types of dangers that usually do not cross minds is the danger of commercial trucks. These are gargantuan motor vehicles that can cause serious injury and death in the event of an accident. Because the consequences can be so severe, truck drivers and companies alike need to take pains to avoid negligent driving. One of the most deadly causes of truck accidents could be remedied simply by a good night’s sleep. The problem? Truck driver fatigue.

According to accident statistics, this is one of the leading factors for road accidents and can account for as much as 40 percent of all truck collisions. These workers are constantly under the pressure of delivering their cargo on a deadline. Because of this surmounting pressure, they are often compelled to skip mandated resting breaks and drive over the legal limit of operating hours. This results in at least 750 deaths per year and as many as 20,000 injuries. In attempts to decrease this number, the federal government has gotten involved and is constantly at work to formulate legislation to remedy the situation.

Recent legislation has limited the amount of time that commercial drivers can operate their vehicle per week as well as other related mandates. The trucking industry is less than enthusiastic. They say that no matter how many regulations that are placed on drivers, if some companies and their employees still want to bend the rules, they will. There have been many cases of truckers entering false numbers into their log books in order to avoid heavy fines and penalties.

Some of the major regulations are as follows. They cannot operate their vehicle for more than eight hours without then stopping and taking a 30 minute resting break. Also, the total number of hours that a driver is allowed to operate per week has been lowered from 82 to 70. What is shocking is that recently after this and legislation like it, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reported more recorded instances of falling asleep at the wheel than there were in prior years.

If you were injured in a car accident because of a driver who fell asleep at the wheel or was not paying attention because they were extremely fatigued, then you are entitled to file a claim against the driver and possibly the company as well. When drivers are not taking the necessary resting breaks, they are operating their trucks negligently, and negligence is a grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Do not be afraid to seek legal help if you believe that your accident was caused by a fatigued driver, because if the evidence points in that direction then you may be able to obtain a substantial recovery.…

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Some Questions to Ask When Choosing a Rubber Mat

Some Questions to Ask When Choosing a Rubber Mat

Anti-fatigue mats were created for the sole purpose of lessening the negative effects of standing on ones feet for a long period of time, which was mainly over-fatigue. Over the years, many additional features and enhancements were added to it to help it become more effective than it already was to address other problematic conditions from diverse external factors of which the user encountered when working in their daily jobs. Today, many variations can be found – all of which are ideal ones, of which is to answer specific requirements for different conditions and environments.

When choosing the type of anti-fatigue mats to purchase, the user must first determine for what specific need or purpose it is intended for. For example, if one is primarily situated in a workplace that is exposed to liquids of many kinds, such as water or oils, then it is imperative that one buys an anti-fatigue mat that has anti-spill and anti-slip properties to keep the liquids in while able to stay in place when stepped on. Moreover, it should also be able to withstand being immersed in liquids for longer periods of time and still stay firm and not soggy. Incorrect placement of these mats in areas it was not designed for will result in it to malfunction and degrade much quicker, and at the same time become inefficient in keeping the work place unsafe.

In line with this, another unfavorable end result would be that the owner will be incurring additional monetary losses to turn back whatever negative events have happened due to the incorrect use or wrong choice of the mat type. This could be anything from maintenance cost, insurance and hospitalizations costs incurred from accidents, doctor’s consultation fees, medicines, attorney’s fees from litigation, and other related setbacks.

Choosing the best anti-fatigue mat is by no means a simple task as one might probably think, with just needing one to pick out the most colorful, uniquely designed, finely crafted, or one with the most lowest price available on display at the hardware or home improvement section. Some important points and questions have to be considered first and foremost before the final decision can be reached. Questions like: 1.) In what part of the workplace will the mat be placed? 2.) What external elements will there be? Will it dry, wet, hot, cold, or will there be some form of unusual presence of static electricity, or will there be pets or other animals be treading the area? 3.) Will it be trodden with heavy equipments?

To be sure and be on the safe side of matters, make a checklist of your concerns on paper and go on from there. You will find that this will make the task of choosing the ideal anti-fatigue mat for your use much simpler and easier to do, and then you will be able to narrow down your search to a handful of the most select few that offers the most suitable qualities for your needs.…

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6 Tips to Help You Improve Your Overall Energy Level

6 Tips to Help You Improve Your Overall Energy Level

There are many causes of fatigue and low energy, we want to discuss the ones that you can use to help fuel you body better to get the most out of your day. Low energy level and fatigue during the day can mean that you are not taking in the right fuel that your body needs to maintain a healthy amount of energy.

Eating more often can help you, studies suggest eating more often and lighter meals can help your body to be more energized. Some suggest that every 3 hours is the best time to sustain you endurance throughout the day.

If you are having problems it is best to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. Caffeine does give you a boost but it also can leave you wanting more or feelings of fatigue.

Eating breakfast has been proven to increase your concentration and productivity during the day. So do not skip breakfast, even you only eat a small amount. Remember your body has been fasting for 12 hours or so since your last intake of fuel.

Keep the water coming in also. When your dehydrated you will likely feel tired, so drink a glass or bottle of water every couple of hours. Studies say it is best to consume half your body weight in ounces of water every day.

Protein is important as it helps you to be alert and a balanced mood. Your body needs some sort of protein in every meal you eat. You will be glad that you did.

Another major concern that makes up feel drained is the crash after consuming a high amount of sugar. You get what they call a sugar rush, but you also feel negative effect after your blood sugar levels drops back down to normal. Try to avoid all the goodies, like soda pop, cookies, cakes and pies. Add more protein to your diet instead of refined sugar and your stamina and energy will be much stronger throughout the day.…

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Handy DIY Plumbing Tips For The Homeowner

Knowing how to begin the process of tackling a plumbing project can be tough. There is equipment to consider, project know-how and that little matter of county ordinances that may crop up. The helpful tips offered in this article will give you the information you need in order to be a smarter plumber.

Noisy pipes are actually a lot easier to fix than you would imagine. Exposed pipes will have to be anchored. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.

Avoid septic tank problems by having your tank pumped out in five year intervals. Doing so will help to avoid septic tank problems by ensuring that the tank does not become clogged with sediment. It is a small price to pay now to keep your septic in good working order and prevent having to pay for a major repair caused by a backup.

You never want to pay for a job until it is complete, and this goes for a plumber as well. You may have to pay a portion of the cost before the plumber works on the job, but you should never have to pay in full until after everything has been correctly finished. If you pay everything up front, you have no recourse if the plumber doesn’t finish the job or doesn’t do it correctly.

If you have a clogged toilet with a low water level and a plunger isn’t doing the job, it’s time to try adding a bucket of lukewarm water to the toilet from a around three feet or higher. Repeat this as many times as necessary until your clog is gone, and you can flush normally once again.

Plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you know what you’re doing. It just has a lot of basics to cover. All that Home And is needed to start is common sense, effort and research to determine the most efficient way of handling your particular job.…

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Don’t Let Perimenopausal Fatigue Keep You Down

Don’t Let Perimenopausal Fatigue Keep You Down

Stretching Away Those Pre Menopause Symptoms

In today’s day and age of connectivity and constant stress, many women are looking for a simple way to get menopausal relief and attune themselves more acutely with their bodies. A growing trend, especially for menopausal women, is to find this lost connection with the self by engaging in Yoga. While many women have heard of Yoga, very few know what it is, or more importantly, what it can do for women during their age of menopause.

What is Yoga?

Put simply, Yoga is a way of life. While there are some that believe Yoga is a religion, they are incorrect in that assumption. There are eight “limbs,” or steps to Yoga, but in Western Culture the two that draw the most attention are body postures, or Asanas and breathing exercises, or Pranayama. The following is a list of the remaining eight limbs.

1. Universal Morality – Yama

2. Personal Observances – Niyama

3. Control of the Senses – Pratyahara

4. Concentrating and Cultivating Awareness – Dharana

5. Devotion and Meditation – Dhyana

6. Union or Harmony – Samadhi

What Can Yoga Do?

The goal of Yoga is to provide practitioners a path to unity and self-awareness. However, Yoga also provides many people, again especially perimenopausal women, with the ability to reconnect with their bodies and provide physical activity that many have lost since their earlier years. In addition, women experiencing pre menopause symptoms will find that by slowing down and taking the time to “listen” to their bodies, they can develop a greater appreciation for the changes that are taking place within. In turn, this appreciation can help foster a more successful transition. Furthermore, the obvious benefits, increased limberness, and decreased mood swings for example, can translate into more fulfilling physical experiences in one’s life.

How Does One Get Started?

There are a number of ways for anyone interested to start experiencing the benefits of Yoga. The following highlights two key ways:

1. Enroll in a Class – There any many Yoga studios across the country as well as countless classes offered at local gyms. Often times throughout the year gyms and studios will offer promotional deals that will provide a free session, allowing those that are unsure the ability to try a class before committing financially. By enrolling in a class you can feed off the energy in the room and meet new people. When enrolling in a class, be sure the instructor has at least 200 hours of training.

2. Buy a Book or DVD – Purchasing an at home Yoga aid is a great way for beginners to get comfortable with the art. Allowing the interested party the ability to find their center at home and away from the stress of a public class can help build confidence and often times will lead to enrollment in a local group.

The benefits of Yoga for perimenopausal women are numerous. Key among the benefits is the menopausal relief you will appreciate in today’s fast-paced world. By practicing Yoga, women will find menopausal support despite the frustrating growing pains associated with their path to becoming a new woman.…

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Chronic Fatigue – Dealing With The Symptoms of CFS

Chronic Fatigue – Dealing With The Symptoms of CFS

Have you ever had that feeling of tiredness that nothing seemed to help? The kind of fatigue that sleeping late, vacationing, and even quiet time alone just doesn’t eradicate? Well, you’re not alone. Many single moms, describe symptoms such as:

Restless sleep

Feeling worse after exercise

Muscle and joint pain

Exhaustion that lasts longer than 24 hours

Headaches soreness of the lymph nodes

Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating

If you can identify with some or all of these symptoms for 6 months or more, it may be time to ask your doctor about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Chronic fatigue syndrome affects an estimated one million people a year with the majority of them being women. As a single mom, these symptoms and their effects can be multiplied and intensified with the staggering day-to-day responsibilities of single parenthood.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for CFS and most cases go undiagnosed. Only 16 to 20% of patients seek medical care for these symptoms. Even of the patients who do seek treatment, many are often misdiagnosed by their physician since there is no causal factors for the illness and the symptoms often mirror those of other illnesses. While there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, there are treatments to help manage the symptoms.

Counseling. Chronic fatigue patients have been found to respond relatively well to cognitive behavioral therapy. Regular sessions with your therapist can help you to develop personalized stress management techniques as well as organizational techniques to reduce daily workload. These sessions can not only help you to develop ways to relieve stress related to CFS, but also identify other areas of your routine that cause undue stress.

Regular Exercise. Since strenuous exercise has been shown to do more harm than good for CFS patients, healthcare professionals recommend non-extreme paces when engaging in physical activities. A steady pace often helps to increase energy and build physical and mental endurance. Using a gradual increase in resistance and speed can be more helpful than interval and Tabata-type protocols. In addition, exercises that emphasize stretching such as yoga, tai chi, or simple massages can help relieve chronic fatigue symptoms.

Diet. A healthy diet that minimizes empty calories and emphasizes a variety of fruits and vegetables can help relieve CFS symptoms. Patients should avoid stimulants such as highly caffeinated soda and coffee along with alcohol which can intensify feelings of sluggishness. These are just a few ways to combat the stresses of chronic fatigue…

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Concerns for Ceramic Bearings

Concerns for Ceramic Bearings

We all know that bearing products can be made of various materials. And among all the different kinds, the ceramics have special features. They show some practical advantages over traditional bearing steels when they are used as materials for rolling contact bearing components. The properties of ceramics, specifically low density and high stiffness, are important features as to gas turbine and machine tools. High hardness, low coefficient of thermal expansion and high temperature capability are properties also suited to rolling element materials.

According to the research which is made on structure, quality control and manufacturing techniques, ceramic materials are suitable alternative to steel for rolling contact bearing design. This is especially true for hybrid ball bearings, i.e. precision angular contact ball bearings using ceramic rolling elements are now offered as standard components with in the ball bearing manufacturing industry. As a result, an expansion in the use of ceramic bearings necessitates guidelines for the choice of bearings or rolling elements. More and more people pay much attention to this material.

However, nothing is described about rolling contact fatigue behavior, which is fundamental information to assess the lifetime of the material. Due to the lack of such information, some concern for the reliability of ceramic bearings still remains. Thus, it also deserves our study. Rolling contact fatigue is the surface damage process due to the repeated application of stresses when the surfaces of two bodies roll on each other. It is encountered most often in rolling element bearings and gears.

The failure process of rolling contact fatigue involves fatigue crack initiation and propagation, which is related to the characteristics of the surface quality, stress distributions and lubrication condition. Surface crack defects are considered as a main factor that causes rolling contact fatigue failure at the present. It is difficult to detect these surface cracks during high volume production processes and hence it is crucially important to understand their influence and the fundamental mechanism of the failures they cause.

It is common that there are still many other causes which lead to the failure of products except for the rolling contact fatigue. We can draw a conclusion that we should always take other aspects which can affect the service life of products into consideration even if those products made of ceramics have many advantages.…