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Award-Winning Hospital Gives Nationally Recognized Cardiac Care

By
Megan Whitworth
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Pictured from left to right: Ravinder Bachireddy, M.D., Chief of Cardiology; Monte Bostwick, Market CEO; Shawn Barnett, Market COO & Lufkin President; and David Ladden, M.D., Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

When seconds count for you and your loved one, you need the peace of mind when coming to a top-ranked hospital well-known for its commitment to outstanding cardiac care. CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial lives up to its goal of providing the highest level of care by consistently seeking out and earning the highest designations when it comes to the hearts of our community.

Across the country, hospitals are surveyed, evaluated and ranked according to quality and specialized services by numerous professional societies. These designations and certifications are trademarks for patients to identify quality facilities. This past year, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial received high marks across the board, particularly in cardiac care.

U.S. News and World Report is nationally recognized for providing rankings on a variety of consumer needs,  including the best hospitals, colleges, cars and places to live or vacation. This year, U.S. News and World Report ranked CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial on its preferred list as one of the nation’s highest performing hospitals for heart failure care.

“This designation is a major milestone for our team,” said Shawn Barnett, Market COO and Lufkin President of CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial. “We have been recognized as a national leader in innovative care models, person-centered care and healthy communities. As an essential element of the value sought by consumers, we have demonstrated distinctive, consistent quality in the form of measurably superior clinical outcomes, patient experiences, and access.”

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial also earned the 2017 America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care, from the Women’s Choice Award – an evidence-based designation reflecting exceptional clinical performance and the voice of the female consumer.

CareChex provides clinical, financial, and patient satisfaction findings to consumers, providers, and purchasers of U.S. medical care based on an evaluation of all components of medical quality including process of care, outcomes of care, and patient experiences. The company’s report showed that Memorial excelled in Cardiac Care.

“Obviously we are proud of the hard work and dedication that goes into earning these kinds of designations, but it means more than just hanging a plaque on the wall,” Barnett said. “The reason why this is so important for our community is that if you’re experiencing chest pain, you can come to Memorial and know you’re getting the very best in cardiac care.”

Award-winning cardiac care starts with a strong partnership with local first responders, the emergency department staff, the cath lab team, physicians and surgeons, and post-op care throughout the hospital. Each team is highly trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of chest pain and heart attacks to more efficiently work together.

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colorado. The faith-based system operates in 18 states and includes 103 hospitals, as well as long-term care, assisted- and residential living communities; community health services organizations; home health agencies and outpatient facilities and services.

 

Navarro Edges Roadrunners in 12-Inning Conference Opener

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College third baseman Christian Leonard goes airborne over a Navarro College runner during Thursday’s conference opener against Navarro College. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

If Thursday’s conference opener between the Angelina College Roadrunners and the Navarro Bulldogs is an indicator of how league play will look over the next two months, baseball fans are in for a wild ride.

Angelina College’s Jacob Finke blasts a long solo shot in the fourth inning of Thursday’s conference opener against Navarro College. The Roadrunners fell 5-4 in 12 innings at Roadrunner Field. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Navarro edged the Roadrunners 5-4 in 12 innings in a game featuring a home plate collision leading to an ejection, eight Roadrunner pitchers and 12 intense innings for a conference opener.

Bulldog Josh Regan sacrificed pinch runner Derek Mueller home from third in the top of the 12th for the go-ahead run, and reliever Brandon Ivey worked his way out of a jam in the bottom half of the frame to lift Navarro to the win. The Roadrunners threatened in the bottom of the 12th, with Roberto Malinowski drawing a walk and Jacob Finke getting hit with a pitch. But with two runners aboard with no outs, Ivey settled in to retire the next three hitters.

The ‘Runners led 1-0 after two innings following Nathan Miranda’s RBI single, extended the lead to 2-1 in Finke’s solo homer – his seventh of the year – over the scoreboard in left field in the fourth. AC tacked on two more in the fifth, with Tucker Redden scoring on a throwing error and Finke driving in a run with a smashed single of a Bulldog infielder.

Navarro climbed back into the mix with a two-run seventh, then tied the game in the ninth on a wild pitch that caromed away far enough away to allow Noah Menchaca to score from second base.

The three-game series concludes Saturday in Corsicana with a doubleheader scheduled for a noon start.

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Angelina College pitcher Jarod Sprinkle delivers out of the shadows during Thursday’s conference opener against Navarro College. The Roadrunners fell 5-4 in 12 innings at Roadrunner Field. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

An Update from Rep. Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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The State Capitol was filled with energy this past week, as folks from around the state poured into the building to celebrate Texas Independence Day. On March 2, 1836 our brave ancestors adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence, which officially established Texas’ independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas. As I walked the halls of our Capitol this Independence Day, I was constantly reminded of our state’s rich history, which is deeply rooted in independence and liberty. It is the honor of a lifetime, and a privilege I do not take lightly, to come to this building everyday as your State Representative.

In that regard, here is an update on what’s happening in Austin. . .

Legislation

This past week the Texas House of Representatives voted on several pieces of legislation involving Child Protective Services reform that were declared an emergency item by Governor Abbott. Specifically, the House passed HB 4 by a vote of 145-0 to allow timely payments for children and their families who have been abused. The chamber also passed HB 5, which would make the Department of Family and Protective Services a standalone agency, by a vote of 144-0. The unanimous vote underscores the commitment of the Legislature to improving child protection in our state and represents a deliberative step in achieving that goal.

Another first this session came on Wednesday afternoon when the House Committee on Natural Resources met for the first time. The committee heard from both the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about the State Water Implementation Fund and groundwater rights in Texas. As the session continues, I look forward to continue fighting for water rights on behalf of my district and region.

Meetings and Engagements

It has been a busy week, as I have had a number of meetings with organizations and constituents that were in Austin to engage in the legislative process. I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our local law enforcement in my Capitol office when they were in town for their legislative day. I always love getting to sit down and visit with some of the brave men and women in our district that work so hard to keep us safe. Supporting local law enforcement is critical to the wellbeing of my district and having the opportunity to hear from them allows me to ensure I’m doing all I can to support them.

I was recently invited to speak to over 500 PTA members from across the state who met in Austin to advocate for public education. I spoke about the importance of their engagement as the budgeting process moves forward and made abundantly clear my support for our public schools, teachers, and students.

Reminders

The mobile office is back on the road in March and looks forward to seeing you around the district! Here’s this month’s schedule: March 15 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett or from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton. You can also come see us on March 22nd from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

Rep. Ashby Honored by Christian Life Commission

By
Megan Whitworth
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This week, at a reception hosted by the Christian Life Commission, State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) was honored with the Micah 6:8 Justice Award for his dedicated public service and advocacy on behalf of Texas school children. The Christian Life Commission is the public policy arm of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and consists of over 5,400 member churches across the state.

“I am deeply humbled to be honored by some of my brothers and sisters in Christ with this award,” said Ashby, who currently chairs the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding public and higher education in Texas. “I take great pride in working with my colleagues in the Legislature, as well as organizations such as the Christian Life Commission, to ensure every child in our state has access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.”

AC Nursing Program Recognized

By
Megan Whitworth
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Angelina College’s LVN Multi Entry/Exit Program (MEEP-LVN) was recently rated the number one program of its kind in Texas by PracticalNursing.org. The college earned this ranking based on their 100 percent pass rates in the MEEP-LVN program for the last five years.

Tonya LaForge, nursing programs director said, “Angelina College is honored to be ranked as the number one Multi Entry/Exit Program for Vocational Nurses.  We are very thankful and proud of our students and faculty who work extremely hard to make our program a great success.”

According to PracticalNursing.org’s website, pass rates were analyzed going back to the most recent years of data available up to 5 years. Schools’ pass rates were averaged together and weighted by the recency of the exam, e.g. pass rates in 2015 count more towards overall rankings than scores from 2013.

PracticalNursing.org  is a nursing advocacy organization built by nurses and other healthcare industry stakeholders in 2013 to support nursing students.

Registration for classes at Angelina College begins March 21. For more information about nursing programs at Angelina College, contact the Health Careers Division at (936) 633-5265.

Editorial: I Love Texas

By
Megan Whitworth
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“I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.”
― John Steinbeck

Today is Texas Independence Day, y’all!

I was not born in Texas, but this great state has become home to me.

All those summers long ago, I remember rushing through the fields of grass on the sunny days as a young girl. I remember falling in love under the starts as a teenage girl in high school. I remember getting engaged on the pier of Lake Nacogdoches. I remember celebrating birthdays, attending graduations, road trips from Corpus Christi to Waco. I remember walking up to the Capitol in Austin and feeling that strong Texas pride 10 years ago. I remember moving out of state and being known as “Texas” my senior year of high school. Even when I moved to Utah for college, I can recall my strong thick southern accent and being proud to say I was from the Lone Star State. Even now as a thirty-something, I am grateful to reside in the state as I grow my family and raise my children as Texans.

A map of Texas.

Here are 10 reasons why I love Texas:

1. Texas is big. 

From the Gulf of Mexico, to the skyline of Dallas, to El Paso, to the Panhandle – Texas is big and wide. If you want a new scenery, just travel three hours north and you’re in a new location with different sights and sounds. I’ve lived in Lufkin, Silsbee, Nacogdoches, Lumberton and Dallas – different cities, different people, different experiences. I’m grateful for this big ole land with plenty of experiences and people to meet along the way!

2. People are kind.

I’ve lived in Alabama, North Carolina, Louisiana and Utah, but no one tops the kindness of the people in Texas. That’s also the number one comment I receive when I say I’m from Texas, “People are so nice in Texas.” We’ll give you the shirt off our backs, we’ll fix your flat tire at two in the morning, we’ll take a stranger off the street. That’s just us, that’s our way of life.

3. Galveston.

I love that great big ole ocean, and I love that it’s only a few hours away from Lufkin. It’s my favorite place to visit on those sunny Summer days – to visit local restaurants, partake of local traditions, and enjoy that breeze from the ocean. Plus, I love taking the fairy to Port Bolivar!

4. Tex-Mex is delicious.

There is not much better than Tex-Mex. I am addicted to chips and salsa, and tacos are my favorite. Travel to any other state, you won’t find Tex-Mex. Trust me, I’ve tried.

5. Dallas skyline.

My favorite view in Texas is that big, wide open Dallas skyline. When the sun sets, there aren’t many more things prettier than that.

6. Country music. 

George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, LeAnn Rimes, Pat Green, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Clay Walker and Kenny Rogers are just a few of the many country singers that were born in the Lone Star State. Nothing is better than sitting on your front porch on a Saturday morning and listening to classic country tunes. Plus, line dancing is my favorite. Turn on those tunes, and I can boot scootin’ boogie.

7. Cowboy boots.

I love sundresses and cowboy boots. Mine are just sittin’ in my closet waiting for the next country hoedown or county fair to attend. Plus, my husband caught my eye with his boots and cowboy hat. He made sure to pull in this southern bell with his twang, charm and boots.

8. Small towns.

Texas to me is a small, town type of living, with a few big cities here and there. Time slows down, folks wave hello as they drive by, and downtown boutiques to find your next attire fills the streets of small towns. Knowing everybody and most likely all their business is what it’s all about. Trust me, I’m sure my mama knows your mama and your grandma and what you ate for dinner. That’s just Texas.

9. Pine trees so green, so tall.

My favorite thing right now is hiking. I love to go down the dirt paths, walk into the forest, and see the Pine Trees so tall. There isn’t much more beautiful than a Sunday drive, with the windows down, and smelling the fresh air and seeing those big ole Pines.

10. God is a part of life.

I love God, and I am able to freely express that in everyday conversation. We pray at school board meetings, we pray before Friday night footballs games, and we worship on Sundays.

Laundry Room Makeover for Under $100

By
Ginger Bowie
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Do you need more storage? Would you love to update an underused and unloved laundry room? What’s holding you back? It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to tackle a laundry room makeover. Sometimes you just have to get a little bit creative.

Find out how we totally transformed our laundry room for under $100.

Brace yourself! The before picture you’re about to see is a little bit ugly. Our laundry room has always been a mess and an eyesore. There is not enough storage space. Things tended to pile up on top of our dryer.

I had just a little bit of storage way up high on a shelf way above my dryer, and I rarely got the step stool out to climb up that high. Most of the cleaning supplies up there haven’t been used or touched in years.

At first, I had the idea to add floating shelves above my washer and dryer, but I don’t want to see all of all of my laundry supplies all the time. Plus, I’d love to have extra storage for other things as well. I was out thrifting a few weeks ago with my husband, and we stumbled across an old cabinet for $20, and it inspired us to tackle our laundry room. Everything ended up costing us under $100!

The Before

laundry room makeover on a budget

Supplies

  • cabinet $20
  • trim $37
  • storage bins 6 @ $4.00 each
  • pint of cabinet paint $13
  • paint roller $5
    • Total Cost: $99.00

Items we had on hand:

  • caulk
  • painter’s tape
  • cabinet plywood
  • 1 inch nails
  • 2 1/2 inch wood screws
  • wood filler
  • chalkboard paint
  • 2×4 board
  • white printable sticker paper

Tools needed*:

  • stud finder
  • drill
  • nail gun
  • leveler
  • crow bar
  • sander

*Please use safety precautions, protective gear and lots of common sense when using tools.

Step 1

laundry room makeover

 First, we removed the shelf that was already there using a crow bar (very gently). Surprisingly, it did little wall damage when we removed the shelf which was really good news. I gave the wall one coat of wall paint and called it a day. The new cabinets and cubbies would cover most of this area anyways.

Step 2

laundry room makeover on a budget

 Next, we used a stud finder to mark the studs in the wall with a pencil. This is very important because cabinetry is very heavy. You will want to make sure you are using the studs to secure it to the wall.

Step 3

DIY projects at home

 Next, we used a leveler to make the line where the bottom of the cabinets would be. We wanted to make sure the washer lid would clear the cabinets, so that’s how we decided on how high to hang our cabinets.

Step 4

Transform your laundry room for under $100.

 Using wood screws we hung the cabinets on the wall. This was actually a three person job. We needed two people to hold the cabinet sturdy and straight as the third person did the screwing in.

Step 5

How to add cabinets above your washer and dryer.

 Next, we used some cabinet plywood that we had left over from another project to build two cubbies. I won’t tell you the measurements because these could be adjusted to fit just about any space. We assembled these using a nail gun. We also used a nail gun to attach them to the cabinet that was already hanging. The fit was very snug. These cabinets are not going anywhere!

Step 6

how to add a folding table to your laundry room

 While we had the power tools out, we decided to make a folding table over our dryer. We simply made a support frame using 2x4s, Again, attach these two pieces to the walls using wood screws and a leveler to make sure they’re straight.

Step 7

folding table in the laundry room

 On the other side away from the wall, we made a support piece using a piece of the cabinet plywood.

Step 8

easy folding table tutorial

 Then we laid a piece of cabinet plywood across the top and nailed it into place using a nail gun.

Step 9

how to add trim to cabinets

We added trim along the front of the cubbies and then some crown molding across the top of our cabinets. We also put trim around the folding table & along the back & side of the folding table.

Now the fun part! Caulk everything. Caulk any spot that the wood trim meets another piece of wood, caulk along the wall & underneath the cabinets. Also, fill any dings or small nail holes with wood filler. Let everything dry. Sand as needed.

Step 10

how to paint cabinets

 Now it is time to paint. It took about 3 good coats of paint to cover everything. I probably should have used a primer, but I didn’t.

TIP: When I paint cabinetry or furniture, I love using white foam roller brushes. They work fantastic, and they always give you a nice smooth finish without any brush strokes.

Step 11

free printable for the laundry room

Between letting the paint dry between coats, I decided to organize my laundry room. I threw out things that I didn’t need and grouped things together that I did need. I made these cute labels to keep everything organized. You can get these labels right here.

To make these labels, I printed them out on printable sticker paper. Then I cut them using a paper trimmer.

Then, I simply removed the backing and stuck them to the front of my storage containers. I love that they aren’t permanent, and I can change them out anytime I need to.

labels for your laundry room

how to organize your laundry room

The cabinet doors took quite a few coats of paint before they were finished. I couldn’t wait to start organizing, though. Here’s how my cabinets look inside. I love how everything has it spot.

While I was waiting on everything to dry, I also decided to add a chalkboard backsplash. All I needed was a little bit of chalkboard paint I had on hand. I have a chalkboard backsplash in our kitchen, and I love it! It’s a fun way to write notes to one another and add a little bit of whimsy to your home décor.

The After

laundry room ideas

The only thing I had left to do was hang the doors. I absolutely love the extra storage, and I love having all of this for under $100. You can’t beat that!

What room in your home would you love to tackle? Don’t be afraid. With a little bit of out of the box thinking and a few supplies, you could transform your laundry room, too! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

My Five Cents: A Message From Senator Robert Nichols

By
Megan Whitworth
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Almost two months into the legislative session, the Legislature is approaching the first of many deadlines, including the last day to file most bills. As of this writing, more than 1,500 bills are filed in the Senate and more than 3,000 have been filed in the House. I expect these numbers will continue to increase during this last week of filing.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses

The Senate Finance Committee has approved and sent to the Senate floor Senate Bill 15, which would provide a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a first responder who has been killed in the line of duty. This exemption would be made available for all surviving spouses, regardless of the date of the first responders death, as long as they were married at the time and have not remarried. These individuals should be honored for their bravery, sacrifice and willingness to protect Texans.

Article V Convention of States

This week the Texas Senate approved legislation to call for Congress to convene for a Convention of States. Senate Joint Resolution 2 calls on all the states in the Union to consider constitutional amendments to impose a balance-budget requirement on Congress, set term limits for federal officials and members of Congress, as well as to favor state’s rights over federal jurisdictions. It also includes an opportunity for states to ratify a U.S. Supreme Court decision, if that decision overturns existing law. The Senate also approved legislation which defines the qualifications for delegates to a convention, including how they are able to vote. A total of 34 states will have to pass similar legislation for a convention to be called. Including Texas, there are now currently nine states which have passed resolutions.

Fall Back, Spring Forward or Neither?

I am sure a lot of us have forgotten to Fall back or Spring forward with our clocks, causing not only panic and stress, but also making us miss an important event. If Senate Bill 238 and House Bill 2400 pass the Legislature, we may not have to worry about that anymore, as these bills will abolish daylight savings altogether. If passed, Texas would be on Central Standard time year-round, starting in November.

Proponents of doing away with the time change state the loss of sleep caused by the lost hour causes physical and emotional stress on individuals. Critics of the bill state that it would mean it would get darker earlier in the evening, causing people to use more power than they have in the past. I will continue to keep you posted as these bills go through the legislative process.

Sunset Bill Assignments

I wanted to update you on the continuation of the Sunset process. After about a year of review and hearings, the Sunset Advisory Commission makes recommendations which are incorporated into legislation for each agency. These pieces of legislation will continue through the Senate and House, like all other bills.

As a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission, I will be filing bills for several agencies including the Executive Council of Physical and Occupational Therapists, the Texas Department of Transportation, Palo Duro River Authority of Texas, Sulphur River Basin Authority and Upper Colorado River Authority. As these bills continue through the legislative process, I encourage you to take part and come to the Capitol to testify on these or any other bills when they are heard in committee.

Texas Independence Day

This week, we celebrated Texas’ Independence Day and had the opportunity to view the original 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico document, which was displayed in the Senate Chamber. Set on the anniversary of the signing of Texas’ declaration of independence from Mexico, Texas Independence Day is a reminder of our state’s rich history and the legacy of freedom we must still protect. After the declaration of independence was signed, Texas went on to operate as a stand-alone Republic for 10 years until it joined the United States by a vote of the people.

While Texans are proud Americans, we still hold on to much of the individual spirit from our time as a separate nation. As Texas faces a number of challenges this year, it is good to reflect on the courage and bravery exhibited by our founders. They left a legacy of freedom, self-reliance and ingenuity that still inspires our state today.

6 Ways to Update Home Décor this Spring

By
Megan Whitworth
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Spring is the perfect time re-evaluate your home’s décor and color palette. After the long winter season, interiors often need a facelift.

Get inspired to freshen up your home with these six 2017 décor trends from interior designer and DIY television personality, Taniya Nayak.

1. Add timeless touches. Tasteful updates can help create an elegant family room that will never go out of style. Display heirlooms and vintage-inspired items, such as traditional candle holders or a vase, and pair with a modern color scheme such as white or navy, to achieve a tailored and timeless look in your living room.

Elevate your home with handmade personal touches that bring comfort and warmth into a room.

2. Apply modern morphing techniques. Morph a wide-open space together with bold colors and patterns that help bridge the gap between rooms. Accomplish this with a large piece of geometric artwork or by utilizing color-blocking techniques to paint an accent wall, which tricks the eye as to where one room ends and another begins.

Before painting an accent wall, it’s important to tape off windows, doorways and trim to prevent splatter. One of the most important tools for any painting project is a premium painter’s tape, such as FrogTape brand painter’s tape, which is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology to help ensure your work looks seamless and to deliver the sharpest transition lines between the newly painted accent wall and adjacent walls.

3. Interweave textures and bold patterns. Be bold and embrace this indie-meets-mid-century trend to add character to a space. An easy way to attain this look is by pairing patterned pillows with deep, intense colors from an area rug. Or, take it one step further and create a wall design comprised of overlapping paint using rich shades such as blue, pink o red, for a truly authentic look.

4. Create luscious layers. Allow yourself to feel wrapped in luxury with this emerging trend. When creating a peaceful nest, immerse yourself in layers by integrating different textures and soft patterns in colors, such as blush pinks, creams and soft grays. Start by adding blankets and sheer drapery. Place a rug on top of carpet. Finish the look with ruffled pillows or a faux fur throw for a space that is cozy and chic.

5. DIY haute homemade projects. Elevate your home with handmade personal touches that bring comfort and warmth into a room. Go bold and paint stripes on an area rug, or give flea market finds a chic update with metallic paint. If you want to start small, try transforming an ordinary basic into a fun planter by painting the bottom with fresh white paint. For professional looking results, you can use FrogTape brand painter’s tape to achieve a crisp line.

6. Incorporate nature’s influence. Integrate fresh flowers and surprising pops of color, like yellow or teal, with natural finishes, such as wood, to create an unexpected yet whimsical look. Or create a statement accent piece by painting a nature-inspired pattern like florals or feathers. All you need is paint and painter’s tape to DIY a look that brings nature’s outdoor influence inside.

More inspiration and popular trends are available at frogtape.com.

Get started on your décor projects now so that you can ensure your home is up-to-date with the latest design trends.

(StatePoint)

Giving up Your Favorite Activities to Pay for Medical Bills?

By
Megan Whitworth
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After the work day is over and the long list of household chores is completed, there are important things young adults want to do with their free time. Whether it’s gut-busting hilarity at the new comedy club or sweating out those toxins at the hottest yoga class in town, these activities cost money. However, when the unexpected happens and you’re faced with going to the hospital, there is a chance your finances will be impacted.

Today, the average cost of a hospital stay is $11,000, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and standard health insurance plans may leave you on the hook for unexpected medical expenses. Having to pay for even a sliver of that cost could throw your budget for a loop, and in many cases, the first casualties of a budget cut are the stress-reducing, mood-boosting, quality-of-life activities.

With that in mind, would you be willing to give up the following things if an unexpected medical event led to a pile of bills from a hospital visit?

1. Weekly date night, girls’ night or any night out with friends. Are you afraid of missing out on fun with friends and loved ones? Well, if you are trying to pay a hospital bill, you just might suffer from FOMO trying to pay out-of-pocket expenses that are putting a strain on finances.

2. The gym membership. Working out makes you feel your best and can potentially stave off illness. Why side-step your fitness goals following an unexpected hospitalization because of finances? Once you are back on your feet, medical bills shouldn’t put you behind. Insurance like Aflac’s offers flexible coverage that can help protect income for such daily expenses.

3. Streaming video services. Since cutting the cord, you have been able to keep up with the latest genius programming online. Even though a membership with various streaming video services doesn’t seem like a lot of money, having to pay for a broken arm or unexpected surgery can mean that you need to cut inessential expenses – including your ability to binge watch the latest show.

4. Those daily lattes. A daily latte can add up to more than $1,000 a year, according to an employee survey on payroll tax and spending habits by Accounting Principals. While many people believe that major medical coverage is enough, high-deductible health plans are on the rise, which could leave you paying $1,000 or more before your coverage kicks in to help. Should that mean saying goodbye to the daily dose of caffeine that gets you through your workday?

To help keep your lifestyle healthy, consider supplemental hospital indemnity insurance, such as plans offered by Aflac. To learn more, visit aflac.com/hospital.

For many people, it is already hard enough to budget for everyday activities and expenses, let alone cover the costs of an unexpected hospitalization. Even if you are young and healthy, it’s important to prepare for whatever life may throw your way.

(StatePoint)

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