the dominion - april 2012
DESCRIPTION
April 2012 edition of The Outlook for The DominionTRANSCRIPT
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - April 2012 1
APRIL 2012 VOLUME IV ISSUE IV
OUTLOOKThe
News for the Residents of The Dominion
LANDSCAPESTHAT ROCK
Maybe it’s time to rock your garden. Droughts will come and go and so will water restrictions, and through it all your plants may struggle. But incorporating rocks in your garden will help maintain its beauty and lessen the need for water. Rock gardens look best open and uncluttered, drawing your eye from one area to the next. When budgeting for your garden, think of the rock as a piece of landscape that has little or no maintenance ever.
First, consider the rocks themselves. The size of the rocks is determined by the scale of your garden. Select and arrange the rocks so they look like they were there originally. Second, balance rocks of a certain color with plant material. For instance, never use white or gray rocks and gravel with like-colored plants (cenizo, germander, silver ponyfoot). Instead, pair neutral rocks with purple or red flowering plants like purple oxalis or Salvia greggii. Lastly, stones can increase your aesthetic options. Somewhat straggly looking plants like silver ponyfoot or clover fern are both perfectly good plants, but their appeal is heightened with something to climb over and cascade down.
If you need a starting point, try a naturalist rock garden. This informal style began in England in the late 1800s to mimic alpine and cascading plant features. This style works well in the rocky areas north of San Antonio, and on some of the exposed yellow rocks in southern Bexar County. Sedums, trailing lantana, skullcap, creeping germander, woolly stemodia or yarrow are lovely complements.
Submitted by: Lisa Spears,ConservationConsultant for San Antonio Water System
Looking for a Lush Landscape?Mention xeriscape and many homeowners imagine scorched gravel and
cactus. It may not be the Gardens of Versailles, but South Texas isn’t a desert either! A landscape adhering to the seven principles of xeriscape should be both tough and green, without constant high maintenance that breaks our backs, budgets and aquifers. For inspiration, check out these local xeriscapes that use little or no supplemental irrigation:
• PhilHardbergerPark– A shady green space for outdoor living and enjoyment with nary a sprinklerhead in sight. Visitors hike and bike through patches of renewed savannah, brush and live oak woodlands, showcasing the junction of our three eco-regions.
• TheShops atLaCantera– With drip irrigation and a palette of xeric plants (even roses!), the Shops asserts a distinctive South Texas ambience and saves water for a few extra splashes, like fountains of reclaimed water from condensate.
• MitchellLakeAudubonCenter– The Leeper House cottage garden of native and Mexican plants explodes with living color in the form of flowers, hummingbirds and butterflies. And, it’s all watered by hand with a hose.
• SanAntonioBotanicalGarden– The Cactus Garden elevates the classic formula with breezy, contemplative shade provided by mesquite, acacia and other carefree natives. Your guests will enjoy it, too: with the air gently stirred and no irrigation, mosquitoes are at a minimum.
You, too, can pull the plug on your in-ground irrigation and set your landscape and your back free. It doesn’t have to be wet to be lush!
Submitted by: Brad Wier, Conservation Consultantfor San Antonio Water System
2 The Outlook - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
PERSONAL CLASSIFIEDSFURNITURE FOR SALE: Louis XVI style, 19th century chairs, table, and sofa for sale. Professionally appraised. For more information, please call 210-698-1487.
GOLF CART FOR SALE: Includes charger. $1,200, for more information please call Charlie at (210) 698-0447.
COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE: Selling my collection of Lalique, Baccaret Erte Bronzes, Sehring Bronzes and many pieces of art work unframed. Other antique items available. If interested, please call Jackie at (210) 698-7071
DOG WALKER/RUNNER: Looking for someone who will walk and run my Australian Shepherd female daily. She is 3 months old, very active and full of energy. If you are interested please call (210) 363-0883. I live at the Cottage Estates.
EMERGENCY NUMBERSEMERGENCY ...............................................................911Fire ...................................................................................... 911Ambulance .......................................................................... 911Police Dept – Non-Emergency ............................210-207-7273Fire Dept – Non-Emergency ...............................210-207-7744DOMINION SECURITYChief of Security .................................................210-268-9932Main Gate ...............................210-698-2997 or 210-698-2998North Gate ..............................210-698-7812 or 210-698-1224South Gate ..........................................................210-698-5323CITYCity Customer Service .........................................210-207-6400Solid Waste (Trash) .............................................210-207-6428OTHER NUMBERSCedar Elm Postal Office ......................................210-641-0278NEWSLETTER PUBLISHERPeel, Inc. .............................................................512-263-9181Advertising ........................................... [email protected]
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
MISSION STATEMENTThe Outlook, For The Dominion
The mission of The Outlook is to provide The Dominion Community with one source of local news content that is written by Dominion residents. Our goal is to help build the community by connecting local businesses with residents and residents with relevant neighborhood information.
"Be the community."
ARTICLE INFO The Outlook is mailed monthly to all Dominion residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, and birthday announcements are also welcome. To submit an article for The Outlook please email it to [email protected]. The deadline is the 20th of the month prior to the issue.
BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDSWATSON & WATSON INTERIOR IMAGES: In Boerne. Specializing in Upholstery and Antique Restoration. We make custom Bedding and Draperies. 10% off materials w/ this ad. We are a Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer selling Blinds, Shades and Shutters. Store location , 437 Turner Ave. Boerne, TX. decorateboerne.com, [email protected] 830 249-2759.
NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - April 2012 3
I BRING THE SAMPLES
TO YOU!Carpet City
Siobhain Anders Buckley2622 Pleasanton RoadSan Antonio, TX 78221
210-260-6527
It’s time to get ready for Spring and Summer.
New flooring is a great way to update your home. I have been running
Carpet City, my father’s flooring business here inSan Antonio for the last 5
years. We are very proud to say that we have been in
business since 1964 !If you need any residential
or commercial flooring please give me a call.We want to help you
find the right flooringfor your home or office.
The Dominion NewsA Dominion HOA Publication - March 2012
TRANSPONDER COUNTDOWNOld transponders will be deactivated on March 15th and only
the new transponders will operate the residence security gates. All residents who have not obtained the new transponders for their vehicles before March 15th, will have to use the visitor entry lanes for admittance until they obtain the new transponders.
GUEST AND VENDOR TRANSPONDER PROGRAMSThe HOA Board approved policies for the issuance of guest and
vendor transponders. A transponder may be issued to a guest of any property owner or resident who is in good standing. Guest transponders must be requested and sponsored by the property owner or resident who must complete an application and submit a $40.00 fee. As with residents, the HOA will install the transponder on the approved vehicle. Guests who are approved to receive a transponder must abide by all HOA rules and regulations. Guest transponders must be renewed annually and may be deactivated by the HOA for any traffic or safety violation established by the HOA. The guest transponders will allow 24 hour access via the resident security gates.
However, the resident or the HOA may restrict, as it deems necessary, the hours for which a guest transponder is applicable.
A vendor transponder may be purchased by any vendor or service provider approved by the HOA. The cost of the vendor transponder will be $50.00 per vehicle with an annual $100.00 application fee. The vendor application must have a business license and/or certification by a Dominion property owner/resident as to employment at the Dominion property. These transponders will be programmed to the specific vehicle only and affixed to the vehicle windshield by HOA personnel. Just like all transponders, any attempt to remove the affixed transponder will disable the encapsulated antenna. Again, transponders may be deactivated by the HOA for any violation of HOA rules and policies including traffic and safety rules. The vendor transponders will only be activated for daytime access on weekdays from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
These policies have been previously sent out in electronic form to all association members who the HOA has their email addresses. The new policies are also available on the HOA website in the Community Manual.
(Continued on Page 4)
& A
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4 The Outlook - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOKThe Dominion News- (Continued from Page 3)
GENERAL MANAGER SELECTIONThe HOA Board has selected a candidate
for the position of General Manager of The Dominion HOA. Finalization of the employment contract should take place this week and expect to see an announcement shortly. Our expectation is to have the new GM on board in early April.
ANNUAL ELECTIONOF HOA DIRECTORS
As a reminder, the election of new members to the HOA Board of Directors is in the nominations stage. Shortly, a list of candidates that the Nominating Committee recommends will be published to the association members. After a short period for any self nominations, candidates completed nomination form and proxy voting instructions will be distributed to all association members. Remember that the HOA Annual Meeting is going to be held on April 24th at Leon Springs Elementary School at 7:00 pm.
LANDSCAPE UPDATEMother Nature has cooperated with
providing nice rain showers during the landscape installations on the front islands. Members of the committee will be conducting a night time evaluation of the lighting to recommend adjustments. By mid-March, curbs and streets will be power washed, lighting wires will be painted to camouflage their appearance on tree trunks, and a final inspection of the new irrigation
installations will be performed by Signature, our irrigation vendor. The Landscape contractor, Maldonado, will be performing the maintenance of these front islands for the next year, a crucial time for the establishment of the new plants.
As part of the beautification of our main entrance, the bridge has been cleaned and new light fixtures are on order. The committee has also approved a three times per year change of color annuals in front of the monuments at the front and north gates.
Once the new irrigation system for all five test sites is up and running, the committee will be monitoring the effectiveness of this new automated system for water savings. One of the advantages of this new system is the ability to manage the irrigation controls from a central management system that’s web based and remotely accessible. This gives the HOA staff and the landscape maintenance vendor the ability to monitor and control irrigation water based on soil evaporation and weather conditions.
The committee is also beginning to develop the 2012 landscape/irrigation work plan as part of the Dominion Master Landscape Plan.
THE APRON SOCIETY – A DOMINION BLESSING
In 2004, Christine Dickemper had an idea; she invited about 40 women to her home to discuss how to better serve Dominion residents in a time of need. There
was immediate interest in the idea and the Apron Society began to take shape. Christine came up with the name from her memories of how neighbors pitched in and helped her ailing father. The name came from her visual memories of many women putting on an apron when it was time to lend a hand. A data base of members was developed and used as a communication device over the years by Adele Rosow, Sharon Koenig, and currently Karen Voss.
D e v e l o p m e n t a n d c o n t i n u o u s improvement since the inception , the Apron Society has generated a best in class initiative to help Dominion residents in need. From minor issues like walking a dog while the neighbor’s ankle heals, bringing meals to those who are recuperating at home, hospital visits, to providing comfort in times of extreme personal loss, the Apron Society has been a “heaven-sent” blessing to hundreds of our neighbors. Currently, there are over 100 Apron Society players, women and men, on the bench who are ready to serve when called. In fact, there are many times that if one waits an hour or so to respond to a specific request, all volunteer slots are already filled.
This is an example of the best of Dominion and why it is such a special place to live. All of us are grateful to the founders and to all their support team for their continued great work.
This article was written as a result of a collaborative effort with Christine Dickemper, Karen Voss, and Jon Trautman.
(Continued on Page 6)
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - April 2012 5
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6 The Outlook - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOKThe Dominion News- (Continued from Page 4)
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CIRCUMVENTION OF VISITOR ENTRY RULESRecently there have been several unacceptable incidents in The
Dominion involving resident teenagers and their guests. In a couple of the incidents, underage drinking on vacant private property involving loud music, campfires and reckless driving occurred. In another incident, underage drinking occurred at a private home without adult supervision and without authorization of the homeowner. In all of these incidents, it appears that resident teenagers have authorized guests to their individual residence only to gather at a different location within the Dominion.
Your Dominion HOA Board of Directors believes this kind of conduct cannot be tolerated in The Dominion for obvious reasons. Your HOA Board will consider amending the HOA rules to allow immediate deactivation of transponders to any home from which there has been a willful circumvention of visitor entry rules, as well as any authorized entry resulting in unacceptable conduct such as underage drinking, unsupervised parties by teens, etc. The safety of our community is paramount and we ask for the cooperation of all parents in The Dominion. Especially, parents must ensure their teens do not allow access into The Dominion to any individual not going
directly to the home of the parents and further, parents must assume responsibility for all guests admitted by anyone in their home. The new QuickPass security system provides online review of guests being authorized to any residence location. This online feature provides homeowners the ability to not only manage their guest’s admittance, permanent guests, vendor entry, etc… but also provides for the review of all guests that security has provided entry based on homeowner online entry or telephone call with appropriate family code.
The HOA welcomes any suggestions as to further action needed to keep our community safe from incidents such as these. We know that the vast majority of teens in The Dominion are first class kids with dedicated parents who set and enforce appropriate limits. It is our hope that no further incidents like this will ever occur again, but we ask Dominion residents to report any such activity as soon as possible to security, so we may prevent any personal tragedy that could ensue.
Sincerely, Richard Dietz, ChairmanDominion HOA Board of Directors
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - April 2012 7
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Hill Country Pregnancy Care CenterCelebrates 25 Years of Service
It was 1987. Robo Cop, Princess Bride and the Untouchables were big hits in the theaters. There was a major TV hit series called Dallas and a new phenomenon called Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles was sweeping the nation.
Here in Boerne a group of concerned individuals began meeting. They were from a variety of denominational backgrounds but were of a unity of heart. They sought to serve women and families experiencing crisis pregnancies. Together they formed the Hill Country Christian Action Council (now known as the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center) on the upper floor of 615 Main St. in Boerne.
Their mission was, and is, to promote the sanctity of life, empower individuals to make Christ centered choices regarding pregnancy and sexuality, and to extend the healing presence and love of Jesus Christ.
The Center was initially staffed completely by volunteers from the community and that first year they served 10 clients. In 2011 the Center provided over 1604 services to hundreds of individuals and families.
What started out simply as caring volunteers providing lay counseling, has grown to a professional and administrative staff supporting the lay counselors. Lay counselors include nurses trained on a 3D sonogram
machine, individuals trained in doing STD testing and an excellent curriculum for parenting classes in both English and Spanish. But the heart of this ministry has never changed. It’s all about caring. It’s all about showing the love of Jesus Christ to individuals and families in a very concrete way. It’s all about serving the community.
The Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center is now located at 439 Fabra St. and the phone number is 830-249-9717. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10-4pm and Tuesdays until 8pm. Anyone interested in volunteering or in receiving services is welcome to call or just drop in.
8 The Outlook - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
Imagine coming home to an empty house. Imagine having to sit, eat, and sleep in rooms without furniture – for some people, this is an unfortunate reality. These people have little or no money to purchase furniture, even at thrift store prices.
The mission of Giving Interiors is to enhance and enrich the qualit� of
life of those less for��nate in our communities by providing much
needed home f�r�ishings and interior improvements in a compassionate
and nonjudg�ental way with respect and dig�it� for all of those we ser�e.
Giving Interiors would like to help everyone who needs our services. At this time, we are focusing our efforts on the following populations:
• Previously Homeless/Recently Housed • Victims of Domestic Violence • Teens Aging Out of The Foster System • Disaster Victims • Poverty-level/Low-income households
You can donate your time We can always use extra helping hands. Bring your area of expertise or just your time and become a volunteer with us. You can donate items We are always in need of new or gently used furniture and other home furnishings (sheets, pillows, towels, pots/pans, utensils, etc.) You can donate money We try to rely on cash donations as little as possible by focusing on other donations for most of our needs. But we often need money for certain items such as gas, webhosting, printing, etc.
GIVING INTERIORS
from the kindness of some for the need
of ot
hers
Giving Interiors is dedicated to improving the lives of people in our community by providing essential home furnishings to less fortunate individuals and families. Our organization was initially established in response to the lack of furniture for homeless people who secure housing. Many of these individuals and families have no furniture, and are forced to sleep and eat on the floor. But we discovered that there are many other populations out there that need our help as well.
Who We Are
Who We Help
How You Can Help
If you can help in any of these areas, please contact us:[email protected] or 210-338-5873
www.givinginteriors.org
APRIL IS NATIONAL HOME DECORATING MONTH!FURNITURE FOR A CAUSE...
Thinking about getting some new furniture? There is someone out there who can really use your old furniture.
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - April 2012 9
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10 The Outlook - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.* The Dominion HOA does not endorse any of the advertisers contatined in The Outlook.
At no time will any source be allowed to use The Outlook contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in The Outlook is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc.
Dominion Real Estate StatsWOW! WE HAVE ALREADY CLOSED OUT
THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2012!
Dominion Real Estate sales (Houses and Lots) for this quarter show a even number of sales over first quarter 2011,
while inventories have declined a bit.Report date range is all activity for 2012 (1-1-11 to 3-21-12)
HOUSES10HousesSold
Sold price range Low $457,000 High $1,590,000Median price range $665,973 Price per sq. ft.
Low $126.05 High $263.62
9HousesPendingList Price range Low $369,900 High $1,899,000
Median price range $649,000 Price per sq. ft.Low $100.59 High $303.20
99HomesActiveForSaleList Price range Low $369,000 High $3,200,000
Median price range $699,500 Price per sq. ft.Low $102.56 High $463.23
LOTS45LotsActiveForSale:
List Price range Low $105,000 High $1,500,000Median price range $200,000
Median price per Square Foot $10.04
0LotsPending
3LotsSoldSold Price range Low $225,000 High $500,000
Prepared By: Matthew ResnickAll information provided by MLS & other sources buyershould independently verify same before relying thereon.
Copyright 2012 by SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF REALTORS
Julian M. Alvarez, Jr. Licensed, Insured
cell: 210.865.0500 fax: 210.641.9709
Remodeling by Juliankitchen & bath designs
cabinetscounter topspaintingtub enclosures
carpetceramic tilewood floorscork
shower stallsshower panssidingwindows
sheet vinylvinyl tilevctlaminate floors
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - April 2012 11
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Tips for a Diet that Promotes Healthy TeethOf course we all know that a healthy diet
is good for our bodies, but did you know that what you eat affects your teeth as well? Here is a list of simple ways you can improve your oral health by paying close attention to your diet. Brushing and flossing are vital to keeping your teeth healthy, but what you eat and drink in between your daily cleaning rituals also plays an important role in your oral health.
Plaque – an invisible, sticky layer of bacteria – regularly coats your teeth. When the starches and sugars present in many foods come into contact with this bacteria, acid is produced. This acid breaks down the enamel that protects the outside of your teeth, and over time can cause tooth decay. If you choose your foods wisely, you can decrease the amount of acid that attacks your teeth. Here are some diet tips for keeping your teeth healthy:
Limit foods anddrinks that are highin sugar, like cookies, candies and sodas – remember even unsweetened fruit juices are high in sugar. Readpackaging labels to find out how much sugar is included, and make educated choices in the products you purchase. Limitdriedfruits, which are sticky and cling to the teeth – instead, eat fresh fruit, especially apples, which serve as natural tooth cleaners.Avoid snacks betweenmeals – but if
you must snack, replace sugary treats with crackers, cheese, yogurt, nuts, and celery or carrot sticks, which produce less acid. If you do drink sugary liquids (soda, sports drinks, juices), avoid sipping slowly over a long period of time as this extends the period that acid attacks your teeth.
If you’re a regular coffee or tea drinker, reduceoreliminateaddedsugar. If your
children snack at school, be sure they have access to healthy snacks (veggies, fresh fruits, cheese) instead of packaged foods that are high in sugar. If you occasionally treat yourself to a sugary snack,brushyourteethafterwards to reduce the acid effect – if you aren’t near a toothbrush, rinsewithwaterorchewapieceofsugarlessgum to stimulate saliva, which helps clean your teeth.
Your diet also affects your overall health, which helps determine how well your body can fight off infection. If you aren’t getting certain nutrients, the tissues in your mouth may not be as resistant, leaving you more prone to periodontal (gum) disease.
If you have any questions about your diet and its effect on your oral health, let us know. We’ll be happy to guide you toward healthier eating habits.
Submitted by Dr. Flury
12 The Outlook - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOKEarly Packing List: When to Get Travel Vaccinations
PLANNING AHEAD IS THE KEY TO SAFE, HEALTHY GLOBE-TROTTINGSubmitted by Laura Guerrero, M.D.,medical director for The Austin Diagnostic Clinic’s Travel Clinic
There are just a few days to go before your big trip overseas. You’ve triple checked your itinerary, memorized important maps, and maybe even practiced speaking a bit of the local language. But unless you have taken the proper vaccination measures well in advance, your health may be at risk.
One of the most overlooked to-dos on a busy pre-travel itinerary checklist is the need to get vaccines and other medical preparations taken care of weeks, sometimes even months, before a trip, says Laura Guerrero, M.D., an internal medicine physician and medical director of the Travel Clinic at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC).
“Depending on where in the world you are going, you may be exposed to diseases and other pathogens that your body just hasn’t had to cope with here in the United States. Often, vaccines are the best preventative measure to protect your health,” says Dr. Guerrero. “But what people sometimes forget is that many vaccines have to be taken over an extended period of time before they can effectively prevent an illness.”
ROUTINE, RECOMMENDED,& REQUIRED VACCINATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) divides travel vaccines into three categories: routine, recommended, and required. Dr. Guerrero says the number and type of vaccines you should receive will vary depending on what part of the world you are traveling to.
“Your particular vaccination and health needs can be as different as the Amazon jungle is to the Sahara desert,” says Dr. Guerrero. “The only way to know what vaccinations are recommended for you is by consulting with your doctor at least one month before you plan on traveling abroad.”
THE RIGHT VACCINEAT THE RIGHT TIME
Routine vaccinations are designed to protect you from diseases that rarely occur in the United States, but are still common in many parts of the world. According to the CDC, routine vaccinations should be administered for things such as influenza, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, measles, chickenpox, and zoster (shingles).
Exactly what routine vaccinations travelers should get will also depend mainly on your age and gender. And if you are traveling with children, they will likely require different vaccinations than an adult. Infants may need to have their vaccines administered over a period of several days or weeks, explains Dr. Guerrero. Recommended vaccinations will also depend on where you are traveling. The CDC lists vaccine information about specific destinations around the world on its website, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm. The site includes detailed health information about specific countries.
“We will update your shot record so we know what vaccines you should be receiving,” says Dr. Guerrero. “And we will also counsel you about what diseases may be present in your destination, and how you can avoid exposure.” As far as required vaccinations
go, international health regulations currently only require a vaccination for yellow fever for travelers visiting certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination is also required by the government of Saudi Arabia for annual travel during the Hajj—the term for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which occurs sometime between November and January.
“Even if you do not get your travel vaccines in time, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor before you travel abroad because you can still benefit from medications and other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while on vacation in another country,” adds Dr. Guerrero.
HEALTHY TIPS WHILE ABROADOnce you have followed the vaccination
schedule exactly, there are many other health considerations to take into account, Dr. Guerrero says. If you are taking prescription medications, for example, make sure you bring enough to last your entire trip and that you keep them stowed in their original containers. It’s also a good idea to bring medicine for diarrhea, and to be cautious about drinking from local water supplies or eating things like raw seafood or other uncooked items.
“Part of ensuring a memorable travel experience abroad is making sure you are prepared for any potential health situations,” explains Dr. Guerrero. “For example, if you have a preexisting health condition, it’s always a good idea to know what your emergency care options are if something were to happen abroad. By taking the proper health planning measures, your trip of a lifetime can be filled with good memories instead of bad ones.”
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DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.* The Dominion HOA does not endorse any of the advertisers contatined in The Outlook.
At no time will any source be allowed to use The Outlook contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in The Outlook is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc.
Auto Talk – Ask a MedicRecently my mechanic said my catalytic converter is defective
and has to be replaced. What is a catalytic converter & how does it become defective?
A catalytic converter is a device that converts three harmful compounds (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides) in car exhaust into harmless compounds. Carbon monoxide is a poison for any air-breathing animal. Nitrogen oxides lead to smog and acid rain, and hydrocarbons produce smog.
A catalytic converter becomes defective when too much raw fuel enters the exhaust system—causing the metals inside to start imploding. When this happens, severe black exhaust fumes (smells like raw fuel) and/or “bogging down” can happen and causes back pressure on the engine. Your check engine light will illuminate on your vehicle’s dashboard when this occurs.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE?
TWO SIMPLE THINGS:• Make sure your vehicle is tuned up on time; every time. Why?
Once the spark plugs become worn, they will not burn fuel optimally—this causes raw fuel to enter and/or collect in the vehicle’s exhaust system.
• Service your cooling system every two years or 30,000 miles (contrary to the manufacturer’s suggestion of five years or 100,000 miles. With wear and tear, your vehicle’s cooling system thermostat may be sticking “open,” causing continuous flow of coolant—never allowing the engine to reach its full operating temperature the majority of the time. The driver will never see this issue on the gauge. It’s a minute problem that will cause severe issues to the catalytic converter later down the road. If the vehicle continuously stays cool, the computer wants to dump more fuel in the engine than what is really needed. This again allows raw fuel to enter the exhaust thereby causing catalytic converter failure.
Tommy Bludworth is an ASE certified technician with more than 15 years experience. Advice and recommendations given are for your convenience. You should see a qualified, professional when having any automotive repairs made on your vehicle.
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