Washington County Weekend Post

4 • W a s h i n g t o n C o u n t y P o s t R e t a i l • 8 - 2 - 1 5 Disc Bulge Discs act as shock absorbers when the spine undergoes a change of movement, unusual pressure, or forceful jarring. Spinal discs also give us more than a foot of our height, lying between the vertebrae of our spine. As a person grows older, thinning discs from damage make them appear to shrink. The spine is designed to withstand a great deal of stress and strain; but a fall, a back injury, a violent sneeze, or improper mechanics may increase the load on a disc, causing protrusion of the disc, and compression of nerves. This is mistakenly called a slipped disc and happens at one time or another to about two out of five adults. Disc bulges are common. The outer layer weakens and bulges, pushing onto nerves or ligaments. Chiropractic adjustments will often restore proper motion to the vertebrae, allowing the disc to return to normal and relieve the pressure on spinal nerves. As we grow older repeated injuries cause the disc to begin to lose its fluid. The loss of fluid thins and weakens the disc to bulge like a weak wall on an automobile tire and gradually protrudes into the spinal canal to press against nerves and cause pain. Even young persons may suffer from disc degeneration. The disc must absorb its nutrition from the fluids, which surround it when the disc is in a state of accordion-like motion. Any of the spinal discs can be injured or undergo degeneration; but because of their location, discs in the lower spine are subjected to the greatest weight-bearing stress and are most likely to bulge or be compressed. Persons who do a lot of lifting are likely candidates for disc trouble because of the day-to-day stress upon the low back. Regardless of occupation, anyone may have weak, degenerated discs. Office workers, homemakers, and chronic TV watchers are also, even though one might not think so. Years of research and experience in disc cases qualify the doctor of chiropractic as the doctor of choice in acute and chronic disc problems. Medications only alter how you feel, not correct the mechanics of the injury. Chiropractic care for disc problems include a thorough chiropractic examination to determine extent and severity of injury, realigning the spinal column and balancing the spine, and eliminating fixations or vertebral subluxations. Exercises can also be given to strengthen and stabilize the area. Disc injuries do not go away, but the pain can. Later, untreated disc problems become a larger long-term problem. Sometimes the effects will show up years later. It is never too late to begin the process of healing. It may be time to call a chiropractor! (262) 306-9775 www.DrsMcCormack.com 519 Shepherds Drive West Bend, WI 53090 Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioners Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner® Regan McCormack DC CCEP, CCSP ® Michelle McCormack DC, CCEP 245470001 Team Doctor for the West Bend Bomber's Hockey Team V acation homes may seem like a luxury only the very wealthy can afford, but many people purchase vacation homes as investments. Vacation homes give families a place to escape to where they can spend time together each summer or winter, but such homes also help homeowners generate income, and some homeowners even find the height of vacation season generates enough rental income to pay for the second home year-round. Personal style goes a long way toward determining how to renovate a primary residence. But men and women who own vacation homes they hope to rent out should not allow their own personal styles to dictate a vacation home renovation project. The following are some additional things homeowners should consider before renovating their vacation homes. Curb appeal: When renovating a vacation property, relatively minor updates can dramatically improve curb appeal, which may bear more weight with prospective renters than it would prospective buyers. Potential buyers are making a substantial financial commitment when they buy a home, so they will go over a home with a fine tooth comb. But vacation renters are making a much smaller financial commitment, so curb appeal can go a long way toward encouraging vacationers to rent your property. Repaint a home in a more vibrant color or replace old siding with newer material. Hire a local landscaping service to tend to the property throughout vacation season, and be sure to include updated photos of your property with online listings. Connectivity: While vacation was once a respite from all aspects of our everyday lives, nowadays vacationers want to maintain at least some connection to the outside world. If your vacation home is not up- to-date with its wireless technology, upgrade to a faster network that offers high speed Internet. Such connectivity can and likely will prove attractive to prospective renters who have grown accustomed to relying on the Internet, even when they are on vacation. Appliances: A vacation rental may not need the latest and greatest appliances, but homeowners may find it easier to attract renters (and charge more in rent) if the home is not filled with outdated appliances reminiscent of a long forgotten era. Upgrade especially outdated appliances, but make sure any upgrades fit with the theme of your rental. For example, stainless steel appliances may look great in your primary residence, but such appliances are costly and may not be what renters hoping to find a beachside bungalow are looking for. Accessibility: Some people want a vacation home far off the beaten path, but that does not mean the home has to be inaccessible. If your vacation home is in a wooded area far off the road, consider paving the access road prospective renters will use to get to and from the property. This relatively small touch may appeal to potential renters who want some seclusion but don't want to put their vehicles through the ringer every time they leave the property. Renovating a vacation home is a great way to generate extra rental income from the property, and there are several ways homeowners can make their vacation homes more attractive to renters without breaking the bank. Financial News Things to consider when renovating a vacation home When you work with the West Bend Group, you'll have an entire team of financial professionals focusing on what's important to you. We'll help you reach your goals by providing years of combined experience, and a full range of products and services, including: OUR TEAM FOCUSES ON YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Contact us today • Life insurance • Annuities • Mutual funds • College funding options • Retirement preparation options • Tailor made financial strategies 21713C R3-14 Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 The West Bend Group 262-338-7770 Not all team members may be appropriately licensed to provide all products and services or licensed to do business in all states. Thrivent Financial was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Institute 2012–2015. *Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through, Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisor. Reis Financial Services, LLC and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities. ❖ Pay too much in taxes ❖ Need to invest money ❖ Wish to discuss your 401k rollover ❖ Need to plan your estate ❖ Are near retirement ❖ Desire a Roth IRA ❖ Need a Business Plan CONSULT US IF YOU: 242018001 Timothy M. Reis*, LUTCF 4524 Dollar Drive, West Bend, WI (262) 338-0018 www.reisfs.com Jerry Beine, FICF, LUTCF* Financial Representative 3274 Pleasant Valley Rd. West Bend, WI 53095 Bus: 262-677-4785 Fax:262-677-4785 jerome.r.beine@mwarep.org www.modern-woodmen.org

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