130 Cecil Malone Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
|
|
Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter
This month's topics are:
HEALTH CONCERNS
- Loneliness-The New Epidemic?
AREA RUGS
MISCELLANEOUS
CONSIGNMENT RUGS FOR SALE REMINDER
JUNE DISCOUNT SPECIAL
If there is a topic you would like us to cover in one of our upcoming newsletters, please call or text us at:
607-272-1566
or contact us
|
REMINDER:
Don't forget to keep checking our website for our beautiful
We have a variety of rugs available to view on our website or come into our office!
|
LONELINESS
THE NEW EPIDEMIC?
Is loneliness the new epidemic in the United States? One thing we have learned from our experience with COVID-19 is that loneliness and isolation from others can be devastating to our mental and physical health, even on a par with smoking or substance abuse. Loneliness has been linked to heart disease, suicide, depression, and dementia.
A lonely individual can also have a drastically reduced lifespan. We are social animals. We need to be connected with others for a happy and satisfying life. There are certainly some individuals who claim not to need others, but this is not the case for the majority of us.
Even before COVID, the role technology has played in our lives had begun to make us feel more isolated and desperate about our world. But COVID really fanned the fire of loneliness and isolation when people were separated from each other and loved ones were lost.
Unfortunately, loneliness doesn’t just come from separation and loss. Those who immerse themselves in their jobs and neglect their relationships often do not realize the impact this can have on their wellbeing. When social support is not present, burnout can be the result. A person must build a community again and this can take a long time.
Today, with nearly one in two adults reporting loneliness, it has become a major public health concern and may already be considered to be a new epidemic in the United States.
DEPRESSION and ANXIETY
AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY, ESPECIALLY TEENAGE GIRLS
Young people have experienced so many stressors in their lives in the last several years. These include the disruptions from the pandemic, gun violence in their communities, and climate change, as well as the amount of division that exists in our country today. All of this makes them sad, depressed, and not confident that they will have a better future, resulting in feelings of hopelessness.
This appears to be particularly true of teenage girls. The number of suicides among high school students in general has been increasing as well.
This crisis among young people has led to the creation and government funding for a nationwide 988 mental health crisis number.
CALL or TEXT 988
Beginning on July 16, 2022, those experiencing a mental health crisis are now able to reach out for help in the United States by simply calling or texting the numbers 988.
This is the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which will connect to a trained mental health professional. There will not be a busy signal, and no one will be put on hold.
Before 988 was instituted, individuals experiencing a mental health emergency would call 911. Unfortunately, 911 cannot address mental health needs. A call by such an individual could result in a long wait in an emergency room or an interaction with law enforcement, which could end in tragedy. Calling 988 is a safer and more effective alternative to 911.
Interaction of individuals in mental health crises with law enforcement has resulted in the police spending about 20% of their total staff time responding and transporting these individuals. This can result in several million people with serious mental illnesses being booked in jail. Even more unfortunate is that in recent years, nearly a quarter of fatal shootings by the police involved people with mental illness.
The 988 number was first signed into law in 2020 by then President Donald Trump. This law allows states to pass legislation to add a small fee to cellphone bills as a permanent source of funds for 988.
The Biden administration has dedicated $432 million toward building the capacity of local and backup call centers as well as associated services. (This is up from $24 million.) This funding has given these centers the ability to answer over 90% of chats whereas the previous number was closer to 23%.
The opening of the 988 lifeline is only a beginning. Investment at all levels, federal, state, and local, is going to be necessary to make sure this service reaches its potential.
TECHNOLOGY and ITS EFFECT on CHILDREN
Please continue reading here for information on the effect of technology on children as well as the effect of loneliness on seniors. You can also find information on how individuals as well as communities can help alleviate the effects of loneliness.
|
|
In This Issue
Consignment Rugs for Sale - New rugs added Regularly
Loneliness-The New Epidemic?
Urine on Oriental Rugs
Adult Dog Urine
Flag Day-June 14
JUNE DISCOUNT SPECIAL
Links to Our Services:
WELCOME!
ABC Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning Co. has been family-owned and operated in Ithaca and surrounding areas for 50+ years!
Our company is a reflection of our family name and pride.
|
Please Like Us on Facebook
for more information and to find out what we are doing at our business and in the community!
Stay Connected
|
Article
Archives
Categories
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
~~~~~
|
|
URINE ON ORIENTAL RUGS
TWO STEPS TO TAKE RIGHT AWAY TO MINIMIZE THE DAMAGE
When you find urine on oriental rugs, do not panic! There are 2 steps you can take right away that can minimize the damage and perhaps avoid a permanent stain. (These steps are specifically for use on fresh, wet urine.)
Before beginning the steps, there are 2 factors that have to be considered when attempting to remove wet urine on oriental rugs (or any rugs or wall-to-wall carpet):
- A carpet or rug fiber acts like a wick. Spots and spills that go down into the pile will wick up to the top of the fiber.
- Permanent stains can be caused by the spots and spills wicking up to the top of the fiber and then being allowed to dry in the air.
With the above 2 factors in mind, preventing a spot or spill from becoming permanent involves allowing it to wick up into something absorbent (such as white paper or cloth towels).
Follow the 2 steps below as soon as you possibly can after the incident:
-
Step 1: Immediately blot up the urine and keep blotting with fresh white absorbent material until you feel you have absorbed all of it.
-
Alternate Step 1: Apply a drawing compound such as cornstarch or diatomaceous earth (used in swimming pool filters) to the entire area. Allow ample time for the urine to be absorbed and then vacuum thoroughly.
-
Step 2: Place a large number of layers of white absorbent material on top of the entire area and place something heavy such as a brick or large book on it and leave it there for several hours or overnight, replacing the absorbent material several times. (Make sure the heavy object does not contain dye materials.)
URINE ON ORIENTAL RUGS?
SOME IMPORTANT DON'TS!
-
Do NOT use salt to remove urine on oriental rugs. Salt is a mordant and can set any dyes that may have run because of the urine.
-
Do NOT use ammonia on a wool, silk or rayon (natural fiber) rug. Ammonia has too high a pH level for use on natural fibers (unless it is diluted and followed by a diluted vinegar solution).
-
Do NOT scrub or use a brush on the soiled area. You can cause serious damage, especially to the tips of the fibers, resulting in irreversible pile distortion. ALWAYS blot from the outside to the inside of the area so as not to spread the spot.
-
Never pour any liquid spot cleaner or water directly onto the carpet or rug. This will only dilute the spill and spread it.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REMOVING URINE
FROM ORIENTAL RUGS...
Please continue reading here to find out why it is so important to remove urine from oriental (and other) rugs. For information on ABC's Urine Decontamination Process, please read here.
|
|
ADULT DOG URINE?
6 WAYS TO HELP ALLEVIATE ADULT DOG URINE 'ACCIDENTS'
Housetraining a puppy is not an easy task. But what about when adult dog urine 'accidents' begin to happen indoors? This is a very frustrating and not uncommon situation that can occur after adopting an adult dog from a shelter or from another home (as well as with dogs in general as they age).
Housetraining may not have been a concern or a problem in the dog's former or younger life but if it becomes a problem for you now or in the future, here are some suggestions that may help you in addressing the possible causes of these 'accidents' and to start working on solutions:
#1
VISIT A VETERINARIAN
This should be your first step!
- There could be several medical (both physical and emotional) reasons why a dog may urinate in inappropriate areas in the home. Do not start training or re-training a new-to-you dog until medical issues such as a urinary tract infection or the possible onset of canine cognitive dysfunction have been eliminated.
- Your dog may just be marking the new territory. All dogs do this naturally, but it is most commonly seen in unaltered males. If your dog has not been spayed or neutered, it might be time to consider the surgery. It can often eliminate marking behavior in dogs.
- Your new-to-you dog may not have been completely housebroken in his or her former home.
- It is possible your dog may miss you when you are gone. See Step #4 below.
- Loud noises outside may scare your dog. See Step #4 below.
- Geriatric dogs can suffer from natural aging conditions making it harder for them to hold their urine. Your geriatric dog may require drugs to help end or minimize soiling 'accidents.'
#2
ELIMINATE ODORS
Make every effort to eliminate old urine odors so that your dog can't smell past accidents. Please see a professional rug or carpet cleaning company such as ABC for more help with this problem.
#3
RESTRICT AREAS IN YOUR HOME WHERE THE DOG STAYS WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE
Make sure your dog has sufficient access to appropriate elimination areas.
Keeping your dog off carpeted areas, if possible, would be a good solution. Dogs may be less likely to go on a hard surface, but those adult dog urine 'accidents' would certainly be much easier to clean up if that happens.
Dogs also have a natural desire to keep their personal area clean so an exercise pen or a baby gate to section off an area of your home would make it easier for both you and your dog. Don't forget to include bedding, water, and anything else that would make your dog feel comfortable when you are not able to be there. Please see crate training below under Step #5.
Thoroughly clean any hard surfaces in the home that your dog has urinated on. Dogs tend to mark the same areas over and over again so use powerful cleaners to wipe away any scent that might tempt your dog to repeat the unwanted behavior. (Please see a professional firm such as ABC for soiled soft surfaces such as carpeting and rugs.)
#4
UNDERSTAND ANXIETY
Anxiety about certain outside noises and separation anxiety can cause urine 'accidents.'
NOISE ANXIETY:
Many dogs can develop anxiety to the sound of outside noises, especially that of thunderstorms, construction or traffic noises. If the noise is temporary, such as construction noises, it might be possible to remove the dog to somewhere else, such as a doggy daycare facility, when you are not home.
If the noise is consistent, a possible solution might be soothing music. (Check out Through a Dog's Ear).
SEPARATION ANXIETY:
Limit the length of time you will be gone or make other arrangements for your dog if you are going to be longer than usual. Here, again, is where doggy daycare can be helpful. Contracting with a neighbor or professional dog walker to come in during the day to take your dog out may help alleviate his or her anxiety as well.
#5
To read about suggestions #5 and #6, as well as how ABC can help you alleviate adult dog urine 'accidents,' please continue reading here.
|
|
FLAG DAY - JUNE 14
WHY JUNE 14?
Why is June 14 designated as National Flag Day? Not everyone would know how to answer this question. Our veterans and current military are the most knowledgeable because they have fought to protect what it represents. Today, as always, displaying the United States flag on Flag Day, June 14, is considered an act of patriotism and hope.
Here is the history of Flag Day and the United States flag:
THE FLAG ACT
On June 14, 1777, the design of our first national flag was approved by Congress.
The Flag Act, stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
The 13-star flag is also known as the 'Betsy Ross flag.' The Flag Resolution did not specify the arrangement of the stars nor the specific proportions of the flag. Therefore, many 13-star flags were used.
The 13 stars represent the 13 original colonies:
- Delaware (December 7, 1787),
- Pennsylvania (December 12, 1787),
- New Jersey (December 18, 1787),
- Georgia (January 2, 1788),
- Connecticut (January 9, 1788),
- Massachusetts (February 6, 1788),
- Maryland (April 28, 1788), South Carolina (May 23, 1788),
- New Hampshire (June 21, 1788),
- Virginia (June 25, 1788),
- New York (July 26, 1788),
- North Carolina (November 21, 1789),
- Rhode Island (May 29, 1790)
The flag has been modified 27 times since then. As new states joined the union, the number of stars on the flag grew.
CURRENT FLAG DESIGN
The current design of the United States flag is courtesy of the late Robert Heft who, in 1958, was an 18-year-old high school student in Lancaster, Ohio. He designed the 50-star flag for a high school class project and received a B minus.
Heft asked his teacher whether if his design was accepted by Congress, his grade would be changed to an A. In 1959, Heft got his A when President Eisenhower accepted his design of 50 stars to include Alaska and Hawaii. Heft's flag design was adopted by Congress in 1960.
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
Over 100 years ago, President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as a day to fly our flag with pride. “I…suggest and request that throughout the nation and in every community, the 14th day of June be observed as Flag Day."
"There should be special patriotic exercises to express our thoughtful love of America, our comprehension of the great mission of liberty and justice to which we have devoted ourselves as a people, our pride and our enthusiasm for the political program of the nation, our determination to make it greater and purer with each generation, and our resolution to demonstrate to all the world its sentiment and purpose."
OFFICIAL FEDERAL HOLIDAY?
Unless you live in Pennsylvania, where it's an official holiday, you probably won't get the day off on June 14. But wherever you are, you can celebrate June 14, the day the Continental Congress adopted the design for our national flag.
This June, we have the opportunity to proclaim our respect and honor for our country by flying the flag and teaching our children why we're doing it.
SOME FLAG TRIVIA
For some interesting flag trivia, please continue reading here. For more in-depth information on Flag Day and the United States flag, please continue reading here.
|
|
GREAT NEWS!
GOT QUESTIONS?
NOW YOU CAN TEXT US at
607-272-1566
|
|
CLICK HERE to check out our video - It's What We Do!
|
|
Visit us on Facebook
for
Tips, trends, the latest industry information, and even
Facebook only Discounts
Like us on Facebook and receive a $10 credit off your next cleaning order!
|
|
The Cleanest Clean You've Ever Seen! |
|
130 Cecil Malone Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
|
|
THANK YOU!!
We look forward to continuing
to serve your textile cleaning & repair needs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
