The “anti-vaccine” movement is wreaking havoc in communities across the United States. It seems that rumors on parenting blogs have played a role in the recent uptick in refusals to vaccinate. Some blogs site religious beliefs.  Other blogs  tout the benefits of an organic lifestyle’s ability to overcome disease. Parents choosing not to vaccinate should question what will happen when their child gets sick and needs to take drugs in order to survive. There is never a 100% guarantee for anything. Risking the odds of contracting a serious, possibly fatal virus by refusing to get vaccinated seems absurd in today’s high tech information age.

Vaccines weren’t always so readily available. In fact, it was only 70 years ago in the 1940s that children were dying from outbreaks of measles, mumps and hepatitis B. Due to the invention of 40 different vaccines by Dr. Maurice Hilleman and better hygiene practices, over 732,000  lives will have been saved just over the past two decades. Current generations including Millennials, Gen Xers and Gen Yers appear to take disease free communities and longer life spans for granted. If these same generations had talked to their grandparents rather than browse online blogs perhaps this movement could have been avoided. Instead, we see the rise of diseases like Chickenpox, Measles and Influenza that can have serious consequences to young children and grandchildren.

Not only is it important to think of the safety of our loved ones, but we must think of our communities and society as whole. A concept known as “Herd Community” focuses on the impact to entire populations worldwide. Because travel is so readily available, disease can spread farther and faster than ever before making it even harder to contain to a small population. If the majority of people are vaccinated, the community as a whole is more protected against a disease; as it is harder for the virus to penetrate the population and even the non-vaccinated people of the “herd” have a smaller chance of getting sick. Unfortunately, due to the “antivaccine” movement in the US, diseases that were nearly extinct like Whooping Cough and Polio have begun to appear. The sad part is the unvaccinated children will suffer the most, as they will be the ones feeling the full impact.

There are many rumors and untruths related to vaccinations. However, the current facts showing the evolution of vaccination, demonstrate that vaccinating children is safe and effective. For example, in 1999 Thimerosal, the substance associated with Autism, was voluntarily removed from vaccines by the pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has substantiated that once harmful chemicals used in the 70s have been removed and vaccines are safe and effective. Should the anti-vaccination trend become more prevalent all of the people we come in contact with on a daily basis including family and friends will be at risk. Therefore, I urge everyone, especially parents of young kids, to research the current facts and statistical importance of vaccinations and then get vaccinated!

Here are some articles to help get you started:

LA Times: Sunday, September 7, 2014 front page, A vaccination heretic, by Paloma Esquivel
http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/55944581/#55944581
http://vaccines.procon.org/#background
http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/vaccines-and-your-health.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/24/cdc-vaccine-benefits/8094789/

You may be wondering, is it worth it to purchase solar panels or buy a house with existing solar panels? Have you ever thought about the environmental impact solar energy can cause?  There are many advocates that would argue both sides of the coin on either question.  However, I did some digging and found the following pros and cons that may sway you in one direction or the other.


Environmental Pros:

• Solar energy is renewable and there is a never ending supply
  
• Solar energy is sustainable, it won’t cease to exist and future generations can rely on it.
  
• Solar energy is pollutant free, it is even quiet, therefore, no noise pollution either.
  
• Solar panels are cost effective in remote areas, no high voltage wire is necessary.
  

Environmental Cons:

• The weather can affect the efficiency of solar cells by reducing their capacity to absorb solar energy or damage the panels.
  
• Solar energy is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours, therefore, the latter half of the day there is no energy being produced.
  
• Pollution in the air decreases the efficiency of the solar panels ability to generate energy. 

Homeownership Pros:

• Excess solar energy can be sold back to the electric company to off-set electricity bills and the initial cost of the solar panels.
  
• Solar panels are fairly low maintenance since there are no moving parts. Just require cleaning a few times a year.
  
• Some homeowners appreciate the environmental benefits of solar energy.
  
• There is data increasing daily to support the proven benefits to homeowners regarding cost effectiveness.
  

Homeownership Cons:

• The initial cost of installing solar panels is high.  However, homeowners are able to stretch out the cost over 15-25 years by long term financing or leasing the panels (transferable to new owners during a sale of a home).
  
• Repairs to damaged solar panels can be costly.
  
• Buyers of resale homes with solar panels do not fully understand the existing purchase or lease agreements of the panels and may bypass making offers on homes.
  
• There is not enough data in the market place yet, to know if having solar panels impacts a home’s market value negatively or positively.

My findings are just a small snippet of information that can be found on the subject of solar panels.  Also, everyone’s needs are unique.  Be sure to do your own investigating before deciding if solar energy is right for you.

Click the links below for more information:
http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/solar/solar-energy/pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy
http://lifestylesolarinc.com/solar-power-pros-and-cons

o Keep Kids away from pool drains, pipes and other openings where clothing, hair or toys can get caught and cause potential drowning.

• A safety kit including scissors, flotation device and a charged phone should be nearby in case of emergencies
  

o Ensure pool equipment is running smoothly and properly safeguarded to avoid electrocution.

• Outlets outside and around wet surfaces should be equipped with GFCI sockets.
•  Call an electrician, such as Griff’s Electric in Signal Hill, CA to inspect all electrical outlets and wiring in and around the pool once a year.
• 
  

 o Kids should play safely in and around the pool as wet, slippery surfaces can cause accidents.

• No running and no pushing from the side of the pool or off diving boards. Especially no jumping into the shallow end of the pool.

o   Do not leave pool toys of any kind around the perimeter of the pool as people can trip and hurt themselves.

•  Ensure toys are properly stored away from the swimming pool when done, as it can be tempting for kids to jump in unsupervised to get them later.

o Ensure the pool is clear prior to jumping off the diving board and no holding people under water.

o Supervise swimmers of any age, it is unsafe to swim alone.

• Accidents can happen even to the most advanced swimmer.
  
• Avoid distractions when supervising swimmers; per the statistics, about 46% of drownings occur under close supervision.
• Learn CPR and understand basic life saving skills, as well as keeping a charged phone nearby in case of emergencies.

o Pets are important to our families, ensure to keep them safe around the pool.

•  Keep pets away from the pool, just as you would children, when you are not around. For example, a pool fence if the pet is kept outside.
  
• From a young age, familiarize the pet with the water, making sure to show them where the steps are to exit the pool and have them practice.
  

o Most importantly, have a fun and safe summer from Griff’s Electric!

For more information on pool safety, see the following websites:
http://www.adamshomes.com/blog-and-news/22-advice/499-top-10-pool-safety-tips
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Swimming-Pool-Safety.aspx
http://www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety/staying-safe-pools-spas/residential-swimming-pools/

As you begin pondering when to start Spring Cleaning, do you ever wonder about the origin of this phrase?  Long ago, before electricity and gas operating appliances,  people used  fire and oils to warm their houses.  After a long,  cold Fall and Winter season of burning oils and wood, a buildup of soot and sticky residue blanketed the inside of the houses. As the weather warmed, the cleaning would ensue and the darkened, dingy houses would be aired out and scrubbed from top to bottom, giving birth to the term “Spring Cleaning”.   

Although we have modern amenities, our houses and contents can still use some attention as Spring closes in upon us.  Yes, we are thankful for how much easier are lives are, compared to our predecessors when it comes to keeping  warm throughout the winter. However,  there are some Spring Cleaning tips that can 
aid our appliances in running  more efficiently, safely and 
save us money.

·         Clean air vents and replace air filters.
·         Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.
·         Line dry clothes.
·         Rinse off screens.
·         Clean and defrost freezers.
·         Check electrical outlets for loose connections.
·         Consolidate cords and wires, check extension cords to ensure they are in good working condition.
·         Give kitchen appliances a break and BBQ.
·         Turn off the television and electronics and enjoy outdoor activities.

Southern California Edison made a tweet about how to safely reset your circuit breakers after a power outage. Follow this tips to safely restore power. Check out Southern California Edison's twitter here: twitter.com/SCE

The Huffington Post recently put out a list of 10 ways to keep your home warm without turning up the heat. Here are some tricks that not everyone may think of:

1. Close off unused rooms - it will contain the heat already generated into area of your home that you want to keep warm.
2. Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise - this drives the warm air that has risen to circulate the air to go down towards you.
3. Change your sheets - swap cotton for flannel sheets, or add extra blankets to your bed to stay warm overnight.
4. Add layers to your floor - add area rugs to keep your feet from feeling cold when walking around your home.
5. Foil - putting tin foil behind radiators in your home reflects the heat back into the room.
6. Turn off your bathroom fan - exhaust fans pull hot hair that rises to the ceiling out of your home
7. Try something old-fashioned - try running a hair dryer over your sheets, or warm a water bottle or bag of beans in the microwave.
8. Rearrange your furniture - make sure your furniture is not in front of a large window because it can radiate heat loss from your body to the window.
9. Worry about the person, not the house - hats, socks and sweaters can all help you achieve the warm feeling you've been missing without raising your electric bill

Click here to read the full article at thehuffingtonpost.com

GoodHouseKeeping.com compiled a list of the top 10 tips for saving energy. All the tips are easy to do, and can greatly help the environment and  lower your bills.

1. Monitor your energy use - adding a plug monitor will let you know how much energy your devices are using and help you decide when to turn them off or unplug them.
2. Install dimmer switches - dimming a light by just 10% can double to life of an incandescent light bulb.
3. Install a motion sensor - perfect for lights that are seldom used for a long period of time .
4. Set a programmable thermostat - this is an easy way to save money when you aren't home or are sleeping.
5. Buy an insulating blanket - giving your hot water heater a blanket can reduce heating costs by 9%.
6.  Install an Energy Star-Rated Ceiling Fan - when it's cool, run your fan clockwise to push warm air down, and when it's warm, run the fan counter-clockwise to circulate the cool air. 
7. Dodge the draft - install weather stripping around your doors and windows to keep heat in and cool air out.
8. Install insulating window treatments - cellular and honeycomb shades can help gain or reduce heat loss throughout the year.
9. Replace the aerator on your faucet - an efficient aerator will reduce flow from the usual 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to a thrifty 1.5 gpm
   
10. Keep dirt and toxins out - placing a mat outside your doors can prevent 25% of pesticide residue tracked inside.

To see the full list and prices of products, click here to go to goodhousekeeping.com 

Energy Star has put together a list of 10 tips that can help those who rent an apartment, townhouse or home save money on their bills and help save energy. 

1. Replace the 5 most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). This can save up to $65 per year! Also, remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room.
2. Consider purchasing a room air conditioner that is ENERGY STAR qualified. Be sure to insulate well so that outside air does not come inside.
3. Install a programmable thermostat if possible to automatically adjust the temperature when you are away or sleeping.
4. Remember to unplug battery chargers when not in use. Consider a power strip for multiple plugs so that you can easily unplug and avoid paying for 'phantom energy' costs.
5. Take a shorter, ten minute shower and replace your shower head with a low-flow shower head. This can use even less money than taking a bath. Also, remember to run your bathroom ventilation fan for 15 minutes before and after bathing to avoid excess moisture.
6. Make sure all air registers are clear of furniture so air can circulate freely.
7. During colder months, keep drapes and blinds open during the day to let in the warmth of the sun. During the summer, keep them closed to keep your home cool.
8. Scrape dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, and use the air-dry option if available.
9. Wash your laundry through cold cycles whenever possible. And, wash full loads to save water.
10. Use the moisture sensor on your dryer to avoid over drying your clothes. Also, remember to always clean your lint trap before drying a new load. This can save you $34 a year!

Find even more tips on the Energy Star website here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.es_at_home_tips 

Colorful holiday lights adorning houses and trees is a tradition seen everywhere during the months of November and December. In recent years, these lights have began the transition to become fully LED. It is no secret that LED lights are much better for the environment, and you electric bill, than the old fashioned incandescent bulbs. 

While it may seem nonsensical to throw away your old-fashioned bulbs that still work fine, it will save you money and save the environment. The price tag of LEDs are more expensive than the incandescent counterpart, but they can last 40-50 years depending on how you care for them. LEDs also used 10 times less energy than a comparable incandescent strand. Producing a strand of LED lights produces about the same amount of greenhouse gases as producing one pound of corn kernels to trim an average sized Christmas tree. "That may seem surprising, since natural, farm-raised popcorn just feels greener than manufactured lights." 

To read the full article from the Washington Post, click the following link: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/led-holiday-lights-really-are-quite-efficient/2013/12/06/60352792-5b5c-11e3-a49b-90a0e156254b_story.html?utm_content=bufferef0b9&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

When decorating with lights this holiday season, it is important to stay safe. "U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 230 home fires annually that start with Christmas trees, resulting in an average of six deaths, 22 injuries and $18.3 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. About 5,800 people annually also are treated in hospital emergency rooms for falls associated with holiday decorations, with more than half of them coming from ladders or roofs while decorating outdoors, the fire association said."  Most holiday decoration related injuries can be easily prevented. Southern California Edison has put together a list of tips to help you and your family stay safe this season.

• Never place lights closer than 10 feet to power lines and always be aware of power lines.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Always inspect your ladder before using it to ensure that it is safe. If the ladder is damaged, buy a new one that is safe to use.
• Be sure electrical cords are not placed at an angle or position that pinches them, like in windows.
• Use plastic zip cords when hanging lights instead of staples, tacks or nails.
• Use no more than three strands of light per extension cord. Overloads can cause fires or lines to short circuit.
• Keep lights directly away from carpeting, furniture, drapes and other flammable materials.
• Use only decorations bearing the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Intertek (ETL) labels.
• Always unplug decorative lights when leaving home or before going to bed.

To read the full article, follow this link: http://newsroom.edison.com/releases/give-the-gift-of-safety-during-the-holidays