In the field of clinical social work, Yochanan Berkowitz frequently observes how difficult too much stress can be on a person. However, Yochanan Berkowitz says there are several different services that help individuals take control of the stress in their lives. Two of the more widespread of these methods, says Yochanan Berkowitz, are biofeedback and massage therapy.

Biofeedback is a therapeutic tool, explains Yochanan Berkowitz, which heightens a person’s awareness of his or her own physiological stress responses. Biofeedback is a painless process, says Yochanan Berkowitz, and it involves sensitive monitoring equipment. A person hooked up to biofeedback sensors, explains Yochanan Berkowitz, can observe the minute changes in skin temperature, heart rate and muscle activity that are associated with anxiety and stress. By studying the indicators on the monitor, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, he or she can learn to control adverse physical responses to stress.

Massage therapy is a more traditional stress treatment, says Yochanan Berkowitz, counted among the oldest healing arts. More people than ever, notes Yochanan Berkowitz, are turning to massage therapy for effective, natural relief from the tolls of stress on the body. Yochanan Berkowitz reports that professional massage therapy can remove toxins from a person’s lymphatic system and help release new stores of energy that outlast the massage session itself. Massage therapy is backed by a breadth of research, says Yochanan Berkowitz, and is widely accepted as a way to enhance health and relaxation. According to Yochanan Berkowitz, massage increases blood circulation, soothes muscles and lowers blood pressure. Other benefits of massage, says Yochanan Berkowitz, include endorphin production, reduced heart rate and improved flexibility.

About the Author

Yochanan Berkowitz began his professional studies in Psychology at Queens College in Flushing, New York. In 1994, Yochanan Berkowitz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and following further studies Yochanan Berkowitz was awarded a Masters of Clinical Social Work. Later Yochanan Berkowitz received the designation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During his studies at Queens College, Yochanan Berkowitz had the opportunity to employ his passion for helping others in the New York City Public Schools as a special Education Instructor in Brooklyn from 1993-1994. Yochanan Berkowitz also served for several years as a school Psychologist and Social Worker with the Brooklyn Board of Education. Several years were also spent doing an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

In 1997, Yochanan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist following studies at the Long Island University. Yochanan Berkowitz received his Masters of Clinical Social Work two years later from New York University. Completing additional studies in his chosen field, Yochanan Berkowitz obtained a Post Masters certification in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy in 2000 and Gestalt Therapy certification from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

Yochanan Berkowitz used his experience to serve in Brooklyn as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at the New Hope Guild from 1999-2000. Yochanan Berkowitz added breadth to his vocational opportunities while serving as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during the years of 2003-2004. While there, Yochanan Berkowitz began offering his skills as a Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW at the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn New York.

The years 2004 and 2005 found Yochanan Berkowitz at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York where he was the Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Currently Yochanan Berkowitz maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that primarily serves children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Yochanan Berkowitz by telephone, call 646-338-5424. Yochanan Berkowitz can also be reached via email at berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his private practice visit www.familiesheal.com.

SMART Carpet customers are instructed to pick up food spills with a spoon and absorb any moisture by blotting the wet spill area with paper towels. Never scrub the carpet, warns the staff at SMART Carpet. This could cause damage to the carpet.

The first line of defense is plain water. Most stains are food based and can be deluted and cleaned with good old H20. Once a food spill or wet spill is cleaned up as much as possible, the SMART Carpet team recommends spot cleaning with a mild detergent. Use the smallest amount of detergent possible, add the SMART Carpet experts, so that there is no residue that might either dull the carpet or cause it to attract soil.

SMART Carpet employees say that the most frequently recommended cleanser is regular laundry detergent. The liquid soap should be clear with no bleach, cautions SMART Carpet staff, and only a quarter teaspoon of the detergent should be mixed into a quart of water. As always, the SMART Carpet team promotes following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After blotting the area with the soapy water, SMART Carpet recommends rinsing it thoroughly. Don’t soak the carpet, says the SMART Carpet staff. It’s enough to use a spray bottle both with the soapy water and the clear water for rinsing.

Once the area has been rinsed well, the advice from SMART Carpet is to blot and air. If the carpet area is very wet, some SMART Carpet professionals say to layer white paper towels on the spot, and put a heavy object on top of the towels. The goal here, points out SMART Carpet, is to get the area as dry as possible. Once further blotting doesn’t soak up any moisture, adds the team from SMART Carpet, the area can be further air dried, using a fan to promote air circulation.

Homes by Vanderbuilt regularly builds modular homes to any specification and size requested by the homebuyer. It’s not just the difference in the number of stories, say the sales teams at Homes by Vanderbuilt. These do range dramatically, from simple bungalows and split-level ranch homes to two-story executive homes, but it’s also the Homes by Vanderbuilt amenities involved that make each home so unique — including granite kitchen counter tops, ensuites with whirlpool tubs and even specially designed wiring.

Customizing your Homes by Vanderbuilt modular home starts with selecting a basic floor plan, and then choosing options and upgrades. Sometimes buyers will bring ideas from other plans they’ve seen to Homes by Vanderbuilt and ask to incorporate specific features. Once the variables have been decided, the Homes by Vanderbuilt engineering staff reviews the plans for structural purposes. Once that’s signed off, construction begins.

Factory-built homes from Homes by Vanderbuilt are usually ready for transport just weeks after the commencement of building. While the house is being prepared by Homes by Vanderbuilt, the on-site Homes by Vanderbuilt crew prepares the building’s foundation so no time is lost when the time comes for installation.

Homes by Vanderbuilt says that simply designed units take just two weeks after being delivered to move-in, while more complex trims and customizations might require up to 90 days. However, when you remember that site-built homes (from the date of the initial order to the move-in date) can take up to a year on average, while modular homes from Homes by Vanderbuilt usually take no more than 3 months, the time advantage is clear.

What Customers Are Saying About Homes by Vanderbuilt:

The [Homes by Vanderbuilt] crew was very professional and I am satisfied with the excellent job.
Thelma – Hillsborough, NC

The [Homes by Vanderbuilt] trim crew did a wonderful job and did the very best at everything they worked on. These guys have done a very good job at my house!
Tim & Tammy – Roseboro, NC

“The [Homes by Vanderbuilt] trim crew was very personable which made us feel comfortable with them. Homes by Vanderbuilt listened carefully and responded in a professional manner. Homes by Vanderbuilt completed all the items we discussed and gave advice on items we did not understand. A couple of great guys!”
Lonni & Vickie – Sanford, NC

“The [Homes by Vanderbuilt] trim crew was very nice. Never complained about what we wanted or needed fixed. I was very pleased with the Homes by Vanderbuilt work and personalities.”
Tiffany – Clarkton, NC

I couldn’t believe how smooth it all went. This is our first new home and Tommy and I have felt very well taken care of. Homes by Vanderbuilt deserves pats on the backs! We will be sending friends your way.
Erin – Asheboro, NC

“The Homes by Vanderbuilt trim team were extremely helpful and courteous to us. They went beyond answering our questions by reassuring us when needed and also by making phone calls to obtain information when needed. Homes by Vanderbuilt completed work in a very timely manner, often working late into the evening.”
Elmore – Bonlee, NC

Home Installation Professionals notes that many homeowners are willing take out a substantial home equity loan to fund a renovation project. Home Installation Professionals considers this is a smart way to roll value back into the home. But the question remains, what are the most cost effective and value-adding renovations to make?

Heating and air conditioning.
Home Installation Professionals knows that a quality ventilation system is key to the comfort and resale value of any home, especially homes that are located in more extreme climates. In areas where the weather can get very hot and very cold, few things are as useful and effective as a good heating and air conditioning system. Home Installation Professionals notes that potential homebuyers always take note of the heating and air conditioning quality of a home.

Replacement windows.
Home Installation Professionals observes that drafty, worn windows are an obvious flaw in a home. They make a bad first impression and are not as easily overlooked as more minor shortcomings. Home Installation Professionals stresses the importance of replacement windows as a value adding renovation for a home. Replacement windows help regulate the heat, cold, light, and overall comfort levels in a home. Good replacement windows, says Home Installation Professionals, can even lower energy bills and make a residence more economical to live in while at the same time adding resale value.

Kitchen and bathrooms.
A modern kitchen catches any homebuyer’s eye. In fact, says Home Installation Professionals, the kitchen and bathrooms are the rooms to which potential homebuyers pay the closest attention. Home Installation Professionals encourages potential clients to carefully consider a kitchen or bath remodel because the results are so rewarding and the value added to the home starts paying for the renovation right away.

These basic, value adding renovations suggested by Home Installation Professionals are merely the short list and do not include other viable remodeling options like converting loft space or building an addition onto a home. If your home needs a refreshing change, or if you are thinking of putting your home on the market in the near future, Home Installation Professionals invites you to research the right remodeling project for your home. You can reach Brian Weinstock of Home Installation Professionals at 847-804-8012.

Chef Ben Vaughn is often asked how to make scones that don’t turn out like stones. The secret, says Chef Ben Vaughn, is to avoid spending too much time on your scones. Traditionally, scones are a short order pastry made for tea and breakfast. This means that scones should be mixed and baked in a short period of time. If you handle your scone batter for too long, warns Chef Ben Vaughn, you increase the chances of the scones getting too hard.

Mix together the flour, butter, and milk for your scones while you turn on your oven. Beat the batter quickly in a Kitchen Aid or similar powerful mixer, says Chef Ben Vaughn. Once the milk is added, the batter should be ready, and quite moist. Cut the scone batter on a well-floured board and get the scones into the oven before the oven finishes preheating. Scones, says Chef Ben Vaughn, ought to be baked in a rising oven. This means that the oven temperature is still rising toward the correct temperature. The scones will bake by constantly getting hotter, but never burning.

Scones are intentionally simple, Chef Ben Vaughn reminds home cooks. People often treat scone baking with the same labor intensity as crepes or croissants. Chef Ben Vaughn explains that scones are in fact even simpler than cookies. If you give them their due, says Chef Ben Vaughn, they will turn out rather delicious. If scones are over handled, however, they become hard and unappetizing. One way to make sure you don’t spend too much time preparing your scones, suggests Chef Ben Vaughn, is to have some eager guests waiting while you bake. If you’ve got an audience waiting for your scones, you won’t waste time, and the results will be delightful.

Des Moines, IA, November 04, 2009 – When a storm blows through your area, it can leave behind all sorts of damages. Sometimes it is just a felled tree or a downed power line. But other times, such storms have a more personal affect. They damage the very roof you live under. That’s when you need to call Mastercraft Exteriors.

Mastercraft Exteriors understands the difficult situation that storm damage can put you in. It’s bad enough that your home is exposed to the elements, perhaps because of a leaky roof, damaged gutters, or tattered siding. But often times, on top of this, your insurance company is resistant to pay for these essential repairs.

Such situations are within the expertise of Mastercraft Exteriors. The specialists at Mastercraft Exteriors will inspect your home and provide you with an experienced estimate. They can even negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, getting you the money you deserve.

Once these administrative needs have been satisfied, the real work begins. Mastercraft Exteriors puts seasoned professionals on the job to repair your home according to a standard of quality that has grown their business to a national level. Mastercraft Exteriors is a full-service home exteriors company founded in Minnesota, which has grown to offer their trusted services from coast to coast.

Contact:
Mastercraft Exteriors
604 Locust Street, Suite 222
Des Moines, IA 50309
877-ROOFS-02 (Toll Free)
www.mastercraftexteriors.com