Stories

Is Your Indoor Air Environment Making Your Sick?

<p>Spring allergy season symptoms already cause confusion with other illnesses like COVID-19, RSV and the flu. But the root of your family’s coughing, sneezing and headaches may actually be poor indoor air quality. During National Autoimmune Awareness Month in March, the experts at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natural Home Solutions LLC</a><u>&nbsp;</u>encourage home and business owners to test their indoor air quality.</p><p><br></p><p>“Similar to medical check-ups for our physical bodies, it is equally important to regularly monitor the indoor environment of one’s home and office,”&nbsp;says&nbsp;Laura Champagne, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natural Home Solutions LLC</a>, mold remediation specialists serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. “A simple air quality test can reveal issues within your interior spaces and common findings often indicate that the central air systems are circulating containments throughout the home or office just like blood through one’s veins and arteries.”</p><p><br></p><p>Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing damage.&nbsp;Champagne suggests air quality testing if anyone in your family suffers from several of the following ailments:</p><p><br></p><p>Allergy like symptoms&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Food Sensitivity</p><p>Migraines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Skin Irritations</p><p>Depression&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Fatigue</p><p>Gastro-Intestinal Issues&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Difficulty Sleeping</p><p>Brain Fog/Confusion&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;Irritability</p><p><br></p><p>“It may seem like these ailments have nothing to do with one another, but in reality, they are all inflammatory responses,” Champagne points out. Inflammation occurs when the inflammatory cells travel to a place of injury or foreign contamination. When the cells stay too long, it may lead to chronic inflammation. Champagne explains that the biggest problem in our indoor environment is biological contamination (waste from living things):</p><p><br></p><p>Pollens, originated from plants</p><p>Viruses, transmitted by people and animals</p><p>Mold and Other Fungi (mycotoxins and other byproducts)</p><p>Bacteria</p><p>Household Pets (saliva and dander)</p><p>Droppings and Body Parts from pests and insects</p><p>Dried Urine from rats and mice</p><p><br></p><p>When the biological contaminants are inhaled, they can make people sick. People with a compromised immune system or pre-existing medical condition are more likely to have an extreme reaction to such exposure. For most people, exposure to these contaminants simply causes mild sinus or respiratory infection. Unfortunately, for a growing number of people, it can cause a far greater inflammatory response and is often misdiagnosed.</p><p><br></p><p>“When Natural Home Solutions conducts air testing, we use sampling pumps, spore traps, or other specialized equipment,” says Champagne’s partner Jim Oliver. “We obtain outdoor and indoor air samples and forward them to a third-party testing facility for assessment.” Lab technicians evaluate and compare the samples. Their report provides a clear picture of contamination on a given day, and conclusively identifies species and determines the severity of a contamination problem.&nbsp;Homeowners can opt for a&nbsp;free preliminary visual mold inspection by&nbsp;Natural Home Solutions as well.</p><p><br></p><p>“There is mold in every home, however the level of mold inside your home should always be less than those outdoors,” says Oliver. “When the species Penicillium/Aspergillus is detected, it is an immediate indication of high levels of humidity.”</p><p><br></p><p>Natural Home Solutions treats contaminated areas with EnzyCleanseTM, a green formula that incorporates natural enzymes. It is non-toxic, organic, and safe for people and pets. The fogger produces micro-droplets small enough to penetrate surfaces and reach areas like wall cavities to break down mold roots and spores. EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;also continues working to prevent mold growth long after the treatment.</p><p><br></p><p>The second major contributor to inflammation in the body is chemicals. Chemicals can not only be inhaled but they are also absorbed through the skin, thus exacerbating a person’s physical reaction to mold.&nbsp;As many companies use harsh chemicals to remove mold, EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;is becoming a popular, eco-friendly and effective alternative.</p><p>After mold remediation and elimination of the moisture source, dehumidifiers and air scrubbers remove humidity and mold spores from the air. Air scrubbers are important for two reasons; they will decrease the spores so that they do not continue to grow and they will make the air less harmful.</p><p><br></p><p>Homeowners can also incorporate the EZ Breathe whole house ventilation system or the Austin Air purifier for long-term solutions.</p><p><br></p><p>“Since autoimmune conditions are tricky to diagnose, all aspects of a person’s environment should be examined,” concludes Champagne. “Mold removal may solve the medical mystery that has been plaguing you or your family.”</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Natural Home Solutions LLC</u></strong></p><p>Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination.&nbsp;Serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, the professional team performs high-quality mold testing and nontoxic, non-destructive remediation at an economical price. As one of only a few EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer this safe, green alternative with a two-year performance guarantee. EnzyCleanseTM&nbsp;is an organic, naturally-derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences. Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:860-436-7021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">860-436-7021</a>&nbsp;for an estimate. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://naturalhome.solutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">naturalhome.solutions</a>.</p>

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First in Her Field From School Sports to the Law Courts

<p>Ever since becoming the first female football player on both her Hudson Falls NY middle and high school teams, 37-year-old Brooke Goff has been tackling stereotypes. She put herself through college and law school, opening Goff Law Group seven years ago as a new mother. During March Women’s History Month, Attorney Goff is using her statewide celebrity status and social media influence to advocate for government-subsidized initiatives that help all mothers obtain the necessary educational and vocational training to return to work and achieve leadership careers. Specifically, she is seeking a national forum in which to publicly empower women in all aspects of their personal and professional lives, thereby creating more female entrepreneurs in the world and leveling out the gender equality gap.</p><p><br></p><p>“Even though it’s 2024, society still tells women that their role is to support, yet women lead in every single aspect of their lives and the lives of their family members. Essentially, they are the CEO of their households, so why can’t they be the CEO of a company?” asks Attorney Brooke Goff, founder and CEO of Goff Law Group. “It comes down to lack of training and resources, so much more effort needs to be made to provide working mothers with the necessary tools to become successful business owners and entrepreneurs.”</p><p><br></p><p>Attorney Goff further details her platform on promoting the advancement of women in the workplace, which includes the government providing women who choose to stay home and raise a family, both training and funding for a new business venture that can be forgiven under certain circumstances, as well as educating young females about accessibility to higher education, and encouraging and rewarding them to enter fields that are typically dominated by men.</p><p><br></p><p>“As the largest high-volume woman-owned, operated, and managed, personal injury law firm in Connecticut that boasts a staff consisting of 11 female attorneys we offer a modern-day refresh in the traditional male-dominated legal field,” adds Attorney Goff.&nbsp;“I know firsthand that&nbsp;women with children do the same amount of work in eight hours that others do in twelve because they have learned excellent time management strategies and understand that every minute is an opportunity to complete a task – often with little to no sleep- now, that’s a true superpower and key element of success!”</p><p><br></p><p>Once in the workforce, Attorney Goff notes that working women of childbearing age often lose out on job opportunities because top management automatically assumes that they’ll be out of the office for maternity leave or sick days.&nbsp;In fact, according to the US Department of Labor, there are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/womens-databook/2022/home.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">24.2 million mothers in the US labor force</a>&nbsp;with children younger than 18, and 16% of that total say they have been passed over for a promotion as a result.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>To address this discrepancy, Attorney Goff recently made history again when she promoted her latest pregnancy on a major billboard campaign with the headlines, “Eating for Two While Fighting for You” and “Stay Calm, Leave it to Mom”.&nbsp;The bold messaging generated praise for the Mom-preneur and produced engaging dialogue about maternity and other legal rights across the nation.</p><p><br></p><p>Other notable, history-making moments of this legal mogul include:</p><p>-Being the most public lesbian personal injury lawyer in Connecticut.</p><p>-Earning the Super Lawyer Rising Star Award for the past 7 years.</p><p>-Speaking at numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities about the importance of education and pursuing one’s dreams.</p><p><br></p><p>“Besides winning cases for my clients, my #1 mission it to destroy the current stereotypes surrounding working mothers and serve as inspiration that they can indeed have it all – being female leaders in any industry, all while celebrating the precious gift of motherhood.”&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Attorney Brooke Goff</u></strong></p><p>Attorney Brooke Goff is the founder and CEO of Goff Law Group, a woman-owned and operated personal injury law firm comprised of a significant number of experienced female attorneys with various litigation backgrounds and skillsets. The firm’s foundation is built on its aggressive, no-nonsense tactics, free consultations, direct attorney access and a 99% resolution result rate.&nbsp;As a young, lesbian, Mom-preneur, Attorney Goff is on a mission to ensure that mothers in the workplace celebrate their life-changing milestones without having to sidetrack their careers. She is an inspiration for girls and a strong advocate for women to live their authentic lives.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gofflawgroup.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gofflawgroup.net</a>&nbsp;for more information.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>PHOTO</u></strong>: Attorney Brooke Goff, founder and CEO of Goff Law Group in Connecticut, is an authentic advocate and outspoken champion for working mothers, encouraging them to seek and secure educational and vocational training to become business leaders. She is currently seeking a national forum in which to advance women in the workplace.</p><p><em>Credit: Goff Law Group</em></p>

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Student Competition to Name New Fire Prevention Product Ignites Creativity

<p>Students at&nbsp;Warwick Valley High School in Warwick, New York were shocked to learn how common&nbsp;lithium-ion battery fires are during a presentation by Rodger Mort, chief operating officer of Packaging and Crating Technologies&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT®)</a>&nbsp;on January 4, 2024.&nbsp;The Watertown, Conn. manufacturer also announced a contest that challenges the high schoolers to come up with a creative name for the latest addition to its fire-suppressant product line.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>“After describing our company’s new TR SleeveTM&nbsp;battery envelope to my son, he mentioned it to his economics teacher, Mr. Torgersen, who invited us to speak to the class,” explains Michael Jackson, partner at PACT®, LLC. “As an entrepreneur himself, Mr. Torgersen&nbsp;asked if we would host a competition for the students to engage in the process of an actual product creation.”</p><p><br></p><p>The company’s leaders will select the winning name on January 22, 2024. The winner will also receive a prize of $100 gift certificate.</p><p><br></p><p>For inspiration, Mort explained how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT®&nbsp;Thermo ShieldTM</a>&nbsp;prevents thermal runaway, a&nbsp;phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state caused by extremely high temperatures, shaking or puncturing. The lightweight, paper material with a moisture vapor application lines the envelope to contain this type of fire.</p><p><br></p><p>According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety,&nbsp;lithium-ion batteries have caused 25,000 fires in the last five years. PACT offers American-made solutions to safely transport and recycle lithium batteries that are used to power e-bikes, scooters and hand-held electronics.</p><p><br></p><p>“The students were completely engaged throughout the entire presentation and asked great questions,&nbsp;like are their laptop batteries safe when they are banged around in their backpacks,&nbsp;how we came up with the idea of the product line and basic battery safety,”&nbsp;said Mort. “We are excited to read the submissions and look forward to crowning the winner.”</p><p><br></p><p>For more information about PACT®&nbsp;and its innovative product line or to see a live demo, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pactthermoshield.com/</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>ABOUT PACT</u></strong><u>®</u><strong><u>,&nbsp;LLC</u></strong></p><p>PACT®, LLC is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 25 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.&nbsp;The company’s newest innovation is PACT®&nbsp;Thermo Shield&nbsp;TM, a sustainable, paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway.&nbsp;</p><p>The company is a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials and the International Association of Movers. It is also a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.&nbsp;&nbsp;For a full list PACT®’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.pactww.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>PHOTO</u></strong>:&nbsp;On January 4, 2024, Roger Mort, chief operating officer at Packaging And Crating Technologies&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pactww.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(PACT)</a>&nbsp;in Watertown, Conn., announced a contest to name the company’s new envelope that controls dangerous lithium battery fires at Warwick Valley Central School in Warwick, NY. The winning student submission will be selected on January 22, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

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Dodge These 10 Trigger Foods To Reduce Migraines In The New Year

<p>A healthy diet resolution in the New Year may include eating more fruits, nuts, and fermented foods like kombucha. But you may want to rethink what you eat if you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from migraines,&nbsp;according to new research.</p><p><br></p><p>“Many foods that benefit our bodies contain natural or added compounds that can cause painful headache and migraine attacks,” said Dr. Fred Cohen, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai&nbsp;in New York, and co-author of the new study. “Some contain histamine, phenylethylamine, and tyramine, which are established headache triggers. Caffeine presents a unique case; it can trigger headaches in some individuals, yet for others, it serves as an effective treatment for their headaches. Monosodium glutamate (commonly referred to as MSG) has garnered much controversy, not just as a headache trigger, but also a cause of numerous ailments such as indigestion, palpitations, chest pain and tightness, flushing, and dizziness.”</p><p><br></p><p>Although often primarily associated with Chinese food, MSG can be found in a wide range of other cuisines, as well as in processed foods and snacks. Dr. Cohen’s December 2023 article “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01198-z" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unraveling the&nbsp;MSG‑Headache Controversy: An&nbsp;Updated Literature Review</a>” explores the evidence connecting MSG and headaches. Dr. Cohen delves into the history of "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" (CRS), a questionable term from the late 1960s that exclusively associates Chinese food with a range of unsettling symptoms, including headaches, bloating, nausea, and chest pain.&nbsp;Since then, there has been confusion over which foods contain MSG and if there is any correlation.</p><p><br></p><p>“While&nbsp;there are several MSG studies that demonstrate a statistically significant increase in headaches when compared against placebo, the evidence is still mixed and further research is needed,” said Dr. Cohen. “For individuals who are worried that MSG could be a trigger for them, an elimination diet might serve as an effective diagnostic method.”</p><p><br></p><p>Cohen explains that an elimination diet involves the exclusion of a suspected dietary component for a period of 4–6&nbsp;weeks to analyze how it affects an individual’s symptoms. If there is no noticeable improvement in headache symptoms after the removal of MSG, then it is likely that MSG is not a contributing factor to their headaches. It is paramount for the individual to ensure that their diet is free of MSG, as there might be various foods and/or additives containing it to which they are unaware.</p><p><br></p><p>“It is a common misnomer that Chinese and other Asian cuisines are the most common sources of MSG,” adds Dr. Cohen. “Many fast-food and chain restaurants frequently contain MSG in their dishes. In fact, MSG use in the USA is widespread and often found in frozen vegetables, condiments, breakfast cereals, spices such as Sazón, a popular seasoning used in Hispanic dishes, and even baby food.”</p><p><br></p><p>Below are common dietary components that can trigger a headache:</p><p><br></p><p>Caffeine - coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain soft drinks</p><p>Alcoholic beverages, particularly red wine, beer, and spirits</p><p>Dairy products - milk, yogurt, ice cream, and aged cheeses (blue cheese, cheddar, feta, and Parmesan)</p><p>Nitrates found in processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats</p><p>Citrus fruits - oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits</p><p>Artificial sweeteners - aspartame and sucrose, often found in diet sodas, fast food and baked goods</p><p>Tyramine-rich foods - aged meats, smoked fish, fermented foods (sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and kombucha), and certain beans</p><p>Onions or foods cooked with onions, green onions, and shallots</p><p>Nuts and legumes - peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and cashews</p><p>Gluten - breads, baked goods, cereals, barley, and rye</p><p><br></p><p>Further, diets such as the Mediterranean, plant-based, and gluten-free, among others, have been found to potentially decrease the frequency of headaches and migraines.</p><p><br></p><p>"I always advise my patients that each individual's headaches are unique, as are their treatments. What is effective for one person may not be for another. This is especially true for dietary triggers, which can vary greatly from person to person," said Dr. Cohen. “Lifestyle changes may also be beneficial for controlling migraines, including proper sleep, regular exercise, and managing other migraine triggers such as stress and allergies.”</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Cohen concludes that while much about migraines remains unknown, new medications and individualized treatment plans have been successful in reducing the number of headaches for many patients.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>“I encourage everyone to work with their healthcare providers to find the unique and customized solution that works best for them,” he concludes.</p><p><br></p><p>As a life-long headache sufferer, Dr. Cohen is committed to helping others break free of pain. For more information visit Dr. Cohen’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Dr. Fred Cohen</u></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fred Cohen, MD</a>, is one of the few headache specialists in the U.S. trained in both Internal Medicine and Headache Medicine. Based in New York, NY, the world-renowned&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Headache Specialist</a>&nbsp;is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. ​Dr. Cohen is Assistant Editor of&nbsp;<em>Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain and Current Pain and Headache Reports</em>. His research and expertise have made him a highly sought after presenter at headache conferences around the world. For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fredcohenmd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fredcohenmd.com</a>.</p>

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Avoid Cold Weather Water Damage that Leads to Mold in Homes

<p></p> <div>The leaves have fallen and soon will the snow. Every winter, thousands of homeowners throughout the Northeast experience the wrath of water damage inside their homes caused by ice and freezing temps. According to a local home expert, now is the time to prevent a flood of problems.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>“Burst pipes are the most common culprit of home water leaks in the winter,” said Laura Champagne, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.naturalhome.solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natural Home Solutions LLC</a>, a mold remediation company serving the Northeast region. “When the water in the pipe freezes, it expands and ruptures.”</div> <div>Simple steps to ward off water in the home include:</div> <ul> <li>Install&nbsp;pipe insulation made of foam or fiberglass on all pipes, particularly those in unheated spaces, such as attics and crawl spaces.</li> <li>Shut off the water to outside faucets.&nbsp;Add extra protection with an insulated spigot cover.</li> <li>Disconnect any exterior lines like garden hoses.</li> <li>Shut off water to appliances if going out of town.</li> <li>Install water sensors that alert home or business owners quickly in the event of a water leak.&nbsp;</li> <li>Maintain an average home temperature of 68 degrees.</li> </ul> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div>“Pipes with running water increase the risk of potential damage because when the water becomes frozen within a pipe, there is the possibility that it will burst,” said Champagne, “However, when the source is cut off, the water that is trapped inside will drain out.”</div> <div>Additionally, check the water heater for any faulty pipes, unusual noises, and leaks, or schedule maintenance to drain sediment. Since the temperature of the cold water drops about 25 degrees during the winter, water heaters have to work harder to heat up. When an aged heater is constantly running and working extra hard, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to leak or worse, burst.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Preventative steps need to be taken outside the home as well. Champagne notes that ice dams are formed from melting snow and water that run down the roof and freeze along the roof line and into the gutter.&nbsp;This then causes water to back up and go under the roof shingles allowing water to leak into the home.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>“Use a snow removal rake after it snows to safely get the snow off your roof as soon as possible, or install heated roof coils,” advises Champagne. “When the snow accumulated around the perimeter of your house begins to melt, it can seep far down into the soil and leak through your basement walls. To prevent this, look out for any cracks in your basement and seal them now. Be sure to shovel away any snow throughout the winter.”</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Champagne warns that beyond soaking the carpets and furniture, mold will quickly take hold after any water leak.&nbsp; If left untreated, a thriving mold colony can rot wooden flooring, damage drywall, generate cosmetic and structural damage, and ruin interior furnishings. In fact, she notes that sofas are the #1 source of mold in one’s home.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>“As people travel throughout the day, their clothing picks up mold spores and then they unknowingly deposit them on their couch, which will then breed and cause a quick infestation when becoming wet or moist.”</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Mold also produces allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins which sometimes cause sickness and adverse reactions. Some people experience asthma symptoms, headaches, dermatitis, and other hay fever-like symptoms. Ongoing exposure to mold may also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>“At the first sign of water, immediately engage a remediation company to fix the damaged area and dry out any moisture,” said Champagne’s partner Jim Oliver “Your insurance advisor should be consulted to determine if it makes sense to submit a formal claim and make sure you are taking the necessary steps post loss.”</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Natural Home Solutions starts by inspecting areas of concern for signs of contamination, performs ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to detect signs of microorganisms, as well as Air Quality or Tape tests to collect air and/or surface samples. An independent laboratory then analyzes the samples and if mold is confirmed, they determine the source and the type of mold.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>“Drying out a water-damaged home in cold weather is a challenge,” adds Oliver. “If you require mold remediation, we eliminate contaminants with&nbsp;EnzyCleanse<sup>TM</sup>, an effective organic solution that is non-toxic, and safe around humans or pets. We also&nbsp;perform optional services such as encapsulation, HEPA vacuuming, and air scrubbing.”</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Oliver explains the EnzyCleanse<sup>TM</sup>&nbsp;fogger produces micro-droplets small enough to penetrate contaminated surfaces and reach areas like wall cavities to&nbsp;break down mold roots and spores, thus eliminating contamination. EnzyCleanse<sup>TM</sup>&nbsp;also continues working to prevent mold growth long after the treatment.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>“It’s often not enough to just replace drywall, flooring and roofing,” concludes Oliver. “Air quality needs to be monitored to ensure that the home is truly restored and healthy for those who live there.”</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>About Natural Home Solutions LLC</strong></div> <div>Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination.&nbsp;Serving the northeastern states, the professional team performs high-quality mold testing and nontoxic, non-destructive remediation at an economical price. As one of only a few EnzyCleanse<sup>TM</sup>&nbsp;licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer this safe, green alternative with a two-year performance guarantee. EnzyCleanse<sup>TM</sup>&nbsp;is an organic, naturally-derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences. Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:860-436-7021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">860-436-7021</a>&nbsp;for an estimate. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://naturalhome.solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">naturalhome.solutions</a>.</div>

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Jewelry Designing Sisters Win Global Women in Business Award

<p></p> <p>When Christina Baribault-Ortiz and Raeann Baribault-Schwartz of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.baribaultjewelers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baribault Jewelers</a>&nbsp;decided to design an empowering jewelry line based on their collective struggles with infertility, they hoped that they might inspire others to remain strong and courageous while going through any life challenge.&nbsp; Now, their wearable words of encouragement and positive impact have elevated to a global level!&nbsp; Specifically, the female entrepreneurial duo recently earned a Globee<sup>&nbsp;</sup>Award in the Women in Business Category for their innovative and successful&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thepowertob.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Power to B</a>&nbsp;collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the second international award that the family-owned jewelry company has clinched this season.</p> <table style="height: 18px;" width="5" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>“We were ecstatic when we learned that Baribault Jewelers was the recipient of the Global Recognition Award last month for our company’s achievements in&nbsp;entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility,” said Raeann Baribault-Schwartz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers.&nbsp; “This Globee<sup>SM</sup>&nbsp;Award is extra special for my sister and I because it is recognizing our particular contributions as female business owners and reinforcing the fact that women are indeed shaping the future of the world.”&nbsp;</p> <p>According to the Globee<sup>SM</sup>&nbsp;Awards website, the term “Globee” is a combination of the words “global” and “business” and presents recognition&nbsp;in nine distinct programs and competitions.&nbsp; The awards&nbsp;not only celebrate individual accomplishments, but also inspire others to strive for excellence and set new benchmarks.</p> <p>The Globee<sup>SM</sup>&nbsp;Awards follows a rigorous and comprehensive judging process with a panel of experienced professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds, who evaluate entries based on innovation, impact, and measurable results.</p> <p>Highlights of The Power to B collection’s rise to worldwide recognition include:</p> <ul> <li>Launching the line at the 2022 Academy Awards, as part of a premiere pre-Oscar gift show with top celebrities embracing the collection.</li> <li>Being featured in a permanent display case at an exclusive gift shop in West Hollywood.</li> <li>Birthing&nbsp;a sisterhood of thousands of customers, who wear the bracelets to bolster their inner strength and resilience and post their stories on the company’s social media sites.</li> <li>Using the line as a fundraising vehicle for numerous local, statewide and national non-profit organizations, including&nbsp;the UCONN Foundation, Glastonbury Education Foundation, Bristol Police Heroes Fund, HOPE for Fertility Foundation, The Robb School Memorial Fund, the CT Breast Health Initiative, Breast Friends Fund, among many others.&nbsp; Thus far, more than $15,000 has been donated to various charities.</li> <li>Incorporating customer feedback when creating new power-word designs. Most recently, B Grateful, Be Blessed, B Brave, B Present, B Kind and B You were added to the original B Strong, B Fierce, B Badass, B Limitless and B Fearless styles.</li> </ul> <p>Future plans for the jewelry line include expanding into earrings, body chains and anklets and hosting contests for new power-words. The sisters also want to form video support groups, sponsor high-profile female networking events, and speak at women’s business conferences.</p> <p>“What started out as a passion project for us has truly taken on a life of its own!” adds Christina Baribault-Ortiz, co-owner of Baribault Jewelers.&nbsp; “The positive energy that we’re putting out into the universe is definitely being received and we are grateful and thankful for this amazing accolade.”</p> <p><strong>About the Globee</strong><strong><sup>SM&nbsp;</sup></strong><strong>Awards</strong></p> <p>The mission of the Globee<sup>SM</sup>&nbsp;Awards is to recognize and celebrate exceptional performance in organizations of all types and sizes across nine worldwide categories.&nbsp;Winning a Globee Award serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the winners, positioning them as leaders and influencers in their respective fields,&nbsp; The renowned recognition serves to inspire and motivate individuals, teams, and organizations as they pursue and foster a culture of excellence in their industries.</p> <p><strong>About Baribault Jewelers</strong></p> <p>Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust, and respect in providing sterling service&nbsp;to its local, statewide, and national clientele.&nbsp; While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.baribaultjewelers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.baribaultjewelers.com</a>.&nbsp; For more information on The Power to B collection, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thepowertob.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.thepowertob.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>PHOTO</strong></p> <p>From left: Christina Baribault-Ortiz and Raeann Baribault-Schwartz of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.baribaultjewelers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baribault Jewelers</a>&nbsp;recently won a Globee<sup>SM&nbsp;</sup>Women in Business Award for creating The Power to B collection and propelling it to new business levels.&nbsp; The international recognition program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and industry success.</p> <p><em>Photo Courtesy of: Baribault Jewelers</em></p>

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Gifts of Love Elects Simsbury Resident as New Board Member

<p></p> <p>While many organizations scale back over the holiday season businesswise, one statewide non-profit is ramping up to fight food insecurity in the new year ahead! Specifically, Gifts of Love, a charity that provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, recently named Jaime Hegarty of Simsbury to its Board of Directors.</p> <p>“Jaime has volunteered with Gifts of Love for many years and we are thrilled that she has committed to a new level of involvement by serving on our Board,” said Lisa Gray, executive director of Gifts of Love. “We know that her vast expertise in project management and strategy implementation will help us make solid decisions as an organization going forward.”</p> <p>Hegarty has made a career within the financial services and insurance industries, currently employed as a Sales Support Director for Voya Financial.</p> <p>Gifts of Love currently services 41 towns across Connecticut by offering two fully-stocked food pantries consisting of non-perishable food items, meats, dairy products, frozen items, and fresh produce, as well as paper goods, cleaning, and personal hygiene items; a housewares and small appliances pantry; and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has two locations- in Avon and in Hartford- to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.</p> <p>The organization’s recent Fall In Love Gala raised more than $40,000 to directly benefit more neighbors in need. About Gifts of Love For more than 30 years,</p> <p>Gifts of Love has helped meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household necessities, as well as short-term programs and education. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For more information visit <a href="http://www.giftsoflove.org.">www.giftsoflove.org. </a></p> <p>PHOTO: Gifts of Love has recently named Simsbury resident Jaime Hegarty to its Board of Directors as it continues its mission to combat food insecurity across Connecticut. Photo Credit: Gifts of Love</p>

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