Beating the Bite: Navigating the Threat of Chiggers Chiggers. They are almost impossible to see with the naked eye and can make your day in the woods very unpleasant. They can take itchiness to a whole new level and the discomfort can last for days. They eat skin cells and tissue and can create a nasty skin reaction. This is caused by their saliva. They bite and inject their saliva into the skin. The saliva breaks down the tissue and helps digest the cells and tissue. Humans are not the only species that are affected by these annoying little creatures. They also feed on domestic and wild anima ..read more

Rising Above: PolyTex Concrete Leveling’s Quest for Excellence In the heart of Texas, where the soil shifts with droughts and rains, lies a testament to innovation and dedication: PolyTex Concrete Leveling. What inspired this thriving business, now a cornerstone in Conroe, Texas? Owner, David Butler, met with me to discuss how this business came to be. David’s journey began in the trenches, quite literally, working for a mud jacking company. Yet, it was a pivotal moment while witnessing the transformative power of polyurethane at a railroad crossing that ignited his passion. With clarity born ..read more

The Woodlands Hearing Center: Rediscovering Sound A haven for those seeking renewed hearing, The Woodlands Hearing Center stands proudly in the heart of The Woodlands, Texas, enveloped by the vibrant energy of the community. More than just a medical practice, it’s a testament to a family’s dedication to improving the lives of others through the gift of clear sound. Here, Christina Massey and her team of passionate doctors, audiologists and specialists, have built a refuge for those experiencing hearing loss, offering a personalized approach and cutting-edge technology in a warm and welcoming e ..read more

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder? Does your child seem to be exhibiting “odd” behavior without any explanation or diagnosis? You may find the answer in one of the Sensory Processing Disorders. Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the brain’s inability to integrate everyday sensory information received from the five senses: touch, vision, sound, smell, and taste. In addition to the commonly known five senses are two additional senses that are rarely heard of: the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The vestibular system has functions located in the b ..read more

AI Failed a Retirement Income Literacy Test; Would You? With the advent and continuing development of AI, there’s been a lot of talk and speculation in the media and financial community that AI will take over virtually (pardon the pun) every aspect of a financial advisor’s role and the functions and value they provide to clients. I disagree! While AI will certainly enhance aspects of our profession and help us utilize technology to speed up things like decision making, I believe there will always be a need for the human element in financial planning. After all, AI is only as good as the data i ..read more

Online with Dock Line: What is Batching Content and When is it Useful? In today’s digital landscape, content creation stands as a cornerstone for businesses seeking to engage with audiences, build brand loyalty, and increase visibility. However, the continuous demand for fresh content can be a daunting task, particularly for small business owners who juggle multiple responsibilities. This is where the concept of batching content comes into play—a strategic approach that not only enhances efficiency but also ensures consistency in communication. Understanding the Basics Content: In the realm of ..read more

Impolite Company: How Trump’s stance on Abortion demonstrates the Pro-Life Movement is losing the narrative On January 22, 1973, many people were shocked when the Supreme Court mandated that abortions must be provided across the United States, but also that a woman had a “Constitutional Right” to terminate her pregnancy. This startling “discovery” of this so-called right, discovered 197 years after the Founding of America seemed to go completely against the rights articulated in the Founding. In America, it was fundamentally understood that “All Mankind were endowed with the Right to Life.” Th ..read more

SJRA: Weather Aware Resource Guide It’s that time of year in Southeast Texas when temperatures start to rise, the humidity in the air feels thick, and it is time to get prepared for hurricane season. This is also the time when our local meteorologists start to throw around the phrase “be weather aware.” June is the beginning of hurricane season, so now is the time to know how to be weather aware in case of a storm event. It is very important to pay attention to the forecast, become familiar with your location in the watershed, and know where to get quick but accurate information. SJRA Graphics ..read more

It’s All in Your Head: May is Better Hearing Month! There is no better time than Better Hearing Month to discuss your hearing health. Hearing health can be associated with other health issues as well. Falling, social isolation, loneliness and cognitive decline are just a few issues often seen with hearing loss. It is good to maintain our healthy hearing to be able to communicate with our family and friends and to continue attending our social events. How do you know if it’s time to have your hearing health evaluated? Are you hearing other people but not always understanding what was said? Do o ..read more

ASVT: Hurricane Season Approaches… Are your pets ready? The month of May brings many things to Southeast Texas! One that is foremost on our minds is the approaching hurricane season. Are you prepared? Are your pets prepared? Forecasters say this year will be a busy hurricane season. May 8, 2024 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Disasters happen everywhere and some are with no warning. Now is the time to put your plan together. What is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day? After Hurricane Katrina when thousands of pets were abandoned and displaced, FEMA established National Ani ..read more