Medic-Alert Tips

Here are a few key things that each medical alert subscriber should do to make sure they are getting what they expect from the service.

1. Keep the responder list up to date
2. Test the device regularly, at least monthly, from different areas of the home
3. Know the protocols of the monitoring center in regards to the call list
4. Make sure the responders know what is expected of them
5. Have the company service it and check it if you have any concerns


Here are a few key items that people should look for when choosing a quality medical alert provider.

1. Member in good standing with the BBB
2. Monitoring center is dedicated to medical alert monitoring only (not a side activity of something like an ambulance, security, or nursing center)
3. Are the monitoring agents independently trained and certified such as CSAA
4. Don’t sign long term contracts (most companies rent the service allowing you to try different services and allowing you to cancel at anytime)
5. Make sure the phone service you are using will accommodate the medical alert

This last item is one of the big issues we see now that people are using alternative phone services such as VOIP, etc.. People who have medical alerts are switching to these services and don’t realize the medical alert may not work once they make they change because they are not testing the device.

Hiring A Photographer; Extra Tips For You!

Here are some more tips in your journey in capturing that memorable photo. If you have any, don't hesitate to list who you think the best photographer are in the Miami Valley!

Tips for having a good photo shoot:

· Check out the photographer's previous work. Make sure his or her style fits your tastes. Most positive feedback from Angie's List members was based on their having a good rapport and personalized experience with the photographer.

· Don't wear bold patterns or stripes at the photo shoot. On prints, they take away from your features.

· If you wear glasses, you might consider temporarily removing the lenses to avoid any glare.

· Whatever you wear, make certain you are comfortable. One photographer said if you're not comfortable in what you're wearing, it will show through in the photos.

. Remember you do get what you pay for in terms of quality of both the print and the shot, and the professionalism of the photographer.

· For children, schedule the appointment based on your child's schedule so you can get photos when they are most animated, happy and relaxed.

· For children, bring your own toys… anything in the picture that will remind you about your child at that age.

· Ask about a one-time sitting fee. One Angie's List member paid a one-time sitting fee for their child, but visited the photographer regularly throughout the year. The photographer was able to capture the growth progress of the child.

. Try sticking with the same photographer or studio. They may be able to give you a price break if you are a regular customer.

Foreclosed Voters

Foreclosures are nothing new. However, we seem to be especially keen to how its affecting us in 2008. We've done stories on the housing market, realtors, mortgage brokers, pets and now voting.

Some people fear they will not be able to vote if they lose their home. According to Steve Harsman, the director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections, as long as you have a physical address of where you're staying you should be able to cast a ballot.

One of my friends here at WDTN challenged me with a question. They ask, "do you think people who foreclose on their home are worried about voting in this upcoming election?" I'm not sure what the correct answer is but I believe there are some people out there who will uphold their right to vote no matter the circumstances.

I believe you're going to see more stories on this issue soon. We're starting to learn more and more everyday. The country hasn't seen this type of home crisis in years. If you have any ideas on how to better cover this story from a consumers angle....I'm all ears.

As always, I'm happy to hear from you on this issue.

Pool Alarms -- Should You Get One?

I have to say, after spending some time with Chris Lacy and Bill Whitehurst, I became a believer in the pool alarms. I thought it wouldn't work as well as it did. The Swim Alert Pool alarm retails for about $300 after tax. If you don't mind the alarm attached on the outside of your pool, it's probably the most economical to buy. It scans 800 square feet of your pool. That's a nice range. Now, the Espio Pool Alarm retails for about $700 dollars and this unit attaches to the wall and water line of your pool. It works just as well and it scans 1000 square feet of a pool.

I don't think you could go wrong with either model, it just depends on how much discretionary money you want to spend. Both models have been featured in Good Housekeeping if you would like to read another article.

I've also attached the websites of the pool alarms at www.wdtn.com and click on the Turn To 2 page.

So, what do you think pool owners? Would you get this product to protect your children or the neighbors kids?