Waste-Free Yards Keeps Pets Healthy

American pet owners collectively spend tens of millions of dollars every year on veterinary care and over-the-counter medicines for their furry loved ones. But what many don’t realize is that many pet illnesses can be avoided by simply keeping the back yard clear of pet waste. 

Dog waste is more than just a smelly and unsightly mess. It’s also a breeding ground for infection—especially in dog parks and other areas where dogs frequently gather. Bacteria, worms and other parasites thrive in the waste until it’s cleaned up or washed into the water supply. Giardia, ringworm, roundworm and E. coli are examples of such inhabitants, all of which are commonly found in dog feces and are easily transferable upon contact.

When pets become sick, contagions are often times passed through their deposits into their own yard. The longer infected dog waste stays on the ground, the greater a contamination becomes. And when this waste is not picked up, pets have a high risk of catching the infection over and over again.

Roundworm, for example, is one of the most common parasites found in dog waste and it can remain infectious in contaminated soil and water for years.

The best thing pet owners can do to help keep their four-legged friends healthy and safe is to pick up after them and to do so in a timely manner. Those who don’t have enough time to deal with the mess themselves—or simply don’t want to—should consider hiring a local pet waste removal service.

Editor’s Note: CMA would like to thank DoodyCalls, the nation's largest pet waste management service provider for homeowners and communities, for providing this article.

Kids at Play

Summer is in full swing, and for many of our youngest residents that means they have the freedom to play outside to their heart’s content (or at least until mom or dad call them back inside). While we encourage kids to enjoy summer to the fullest, we also want everyone to stay safe. Here are a few guidelines to make sure these school-free months go smoothly:

• Make sure your children are proactive about their safety. Whether they’re playing at a park, swimming at a pool or riding their bikes around the neighborhood, it’s important that kids understand what types of injuries could occur during these activities and how they can best avoid them. If an injury does occur, your kids need to know what actions to take—such as alerting a trusted adult or, in the case of a true emergency, calling 911.
• Supervise your kids at the pool. While it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your kids, it’s particularly important to make sure your children have adult supervision while they’re in the water. It only takes a second for even good swimmers to find themselves in a dangerous situation, so it’s vital that kids are supervised by someone who knows the signs of a distressed swimmer. To learn about how you can keep your family safe at the pool, visit www.poolsafety.gov.
• Slow down while driving through the neighborhood. All residents should take note of this rule. With children out and about in full-force during the summer, you’re more likely than ever to see a distracted kid chasing after a run-away baseball or skateboarding on the streets. So slow down, be extra aware of what’s going on around you, and be prepared to stop suddenly if a child runs out into the road. Parents should remind kids that they have a responsibility to be aware of oncoming cars as well, and to be extra careful when they are on the street.
• Remind older kids to check in with you when they’re playing without adult supervision. When kids are out on their own, it’s easy for them to forget to let their parents know they’re okay. So establish a set of rules, such as checking in every few hours or whenever they change locations, and be firm about enforcing them. If your child has a hard time remembering to give you a call every so often, it might be helpful to have them set an alarm on their cell phone or watch so they don’t forget. It’s a great way for kids to build a sense of independence and for you to know they’re safe even when they’re not within sight.

While the summer can present many hazards, there’s no reason your kids can’t come out of it unscathed (notwithstanding a few minor scrapes, bruises and bug bites, of course). To learn more about how you can keep your kids from getting hurt this summer, visit www.cdc.gov/features/KidsSafety/ for a list of great articles. Stay safe and enjoy this wonderful season.

Article courtesy of Community Associations Institute (CAI).

SINKS, SINKS, SINKS

Kitchen sinks today are not your Mother's sinks! There are several stylish options available and just like other selections for the kitchen, you need to consider how you work in the kitchen as well as what your style is. A well-made sink should last 15 years or more, with a good quality sink starting at around $200. Checkout several options that are available today!

If you like a sleek, smooth look in your kitchen, an integrated sink may appeal to you. These sinks are fabricated from the same material as the countertop with no visible seams, and are one solid piece. Extremely low maintenance and the most sanitary, these sinks are durable and available in many material options.

Farmhouse sinks are also called apron-front sinks and are very stylish and utilitarian, due to the size of each basin. Great for large pans and pots!  Some of these sinks may require a revision in the cabinetry if being done on a kitchen remodel. 

Undermount sinks are sleek and blend well with the countertops, since it is placed underneath the countertop. There are many choices for size and material in this type of sink and the prices are affordable. Since there is a seam, it must be cleaned thoroughly.

A self-rimming sink is one with a finished edge or trim and sits atop the countertop.  Affordably priced and available in multiple finishes and sizes, this is an excellent choice in many kitchens. Since it is also seamed, thorough cleaning is required.

Trough sinks have made an appearance in today's market. These sinks are long and lean and can accommodate multiple faucets. Good for kitchens with more than one cook, these sinks can hold larger items and containers. Take care with the existing cabinetry and make sure that your kitchen looks right with this oversized sink, as some kitchens do not look proportional with such a large sink.

With so many choices, consider how you use your sink before you make a selection.

Guest blogger Tamara Hyland is a principal of Total Renaissance Construction and blogs about homes, lifestyles and decorating and remodeling trends.