reported that their http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for reported that their Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:33:06 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/reported+that+their Worldwide Employment Trends http://www.artwoo.com/article/worldwide-employment-trends http://www.artwoo.com/article/worldwide-employment-trends#comments Mon, 09 Oct 2006 16:27:04 +0000 employment prospectsasia pacific regionemployment outlook surveymanpower incpessimisticaustralia chinaregion australia http://www.artwoo.com/article/worldwide-employment-trends Employment prospects were bright in the for the first quarter of 2006 as well as in North America, but it was expected to be an up and down three months for most of Europe, according to news reports on June 29 this year.

This was the conclusion bared by . following a survey of 23 countries in different continents. The covered 45,000 employers. Overall, it reported that employers in nine or 23 countries and territories were expected to add to their workforces in the first quarter of 2006. On the other hand, it also said that 11 of the 23 countries and territories reported weaker employment prospects compared to the same period in 2005.

The strongest hiring expectations were reported by employers in India, New Zealand, Taiwan, the United States and Australia. In contrast, employers in 14 countries, mostly in Europe, reported weaker employment prospects. The weakest hiring prospects were reported by employers in Germany, Austria and Italy.

In Austria, employers reported a negative Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for the first time since the first quarter of 2004, while employers in Italy have not been this since the survey started in that country in the third quarter of 2003. The study conducted over 11,000 interviews across 12 European labor markets to measure anticipated employment trends for the first quarter of 2006.

The survey revealed continued buoyant hiring activity in the USA and Canada.

Meanwhile, in Asia Pacific, employment prospects were positive in all countries that were covered by the survey, which included interviews with 3,000 employers in the region. Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan all reported improved NEOs compared to the last quarter of 2005.

Interestingly, Australian and Japanese employers reported their most optimistic first quarter NEOs since 2003 when the survey began. Positive hiring intentions were reported by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

American employers were optimistic and reported the same NEO as in the fourth quarter of 2005. The same cannot be said for Canada which reported slightly weaker hiring expectations but still favorable. Mexico was hopeful of starting the year off on the right foot and reported the most positive first quarter NEO since the third quarter of 2002 when the survey began in that country.

An updated Manpower Employment Outlook survey covering only the US market said that of the 16,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 30 percent foresaw an increase in hiring activity for the second quarter of 2006, while 6 percent expected a reduction in payrolls. Fifty-eight percent reported no change in hiring plans, and 6 percent had yet to determine their staffing needs. The seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook for April to June was 21 percent. Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://yourworkexpert.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://businessworldnow.net/ and http://yourealestatesource.com/ ]]> Top 20 Real Estate Foreclosure Markets, Mid-Year 2007 http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-20-real-estate-foreclosure-markets-mid-year-2007 http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-20-real-estate-foreclosure-markets-mid-year-2007#comments Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:34:59 +0000 foreclosure ratesforeclosure marketforeclosure salesrealtytracmetro areashouseholdslas vegas http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-20-real-estate-foreclosure-markets-mid-year-2007 metro areas from Jan to Jun 2007, according to , an online marketplace for . Detroit and documented the next highest . RealtyTrac's 2007 Midyear Metropolitan Report showed the foreclosure activity in the top 100 metro areas for the first half of 2007. As foreclosure rates continue to rise, 82 out of 100 metro areas recorded year-over-year increases in foreclosures.

Stockton reported one foreclosure filing for every 27 with a total of 8,169 foreclosure fillings on 4,239 properties. The rate of foreclosure has increased exponentially to three times more than the number reported last year, for the same period.

Detroit, with one in 29 households going for foreclosure, recorded the second highest foreclosure rate. A total of 28,705 foreclosure filings were made on 20,231 properties, which is almost double the number reported from Jan-June 2006.

Las Vegas documented one foreclosure filing for every 31 households, making it the third highest in foreclosure activity among the 100 metro areas. It reported 22,928 foreclosure filings on 13,028 properties, double the number reported during the first half of 2006.

Six of the top 20 metro areas with the highest foreclosure rates were in California and four in Ohio.

The following are the top 20 U.S. housing foreclosure markets from Jan to Jun 2007, the total number of foreclosure filings and households per foreclosure filing.

1. Stockton, California: 8,169 foreclosure filings; one foreclosure filing for every 27 households. 2. Detroit/Livonia/Dearborn, Michigan: 28,705 foreclosure filings; one filing per 29 households. 3. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada: 22,928 foreclosure filings; one filing per 31 households. 4. Riverside/San Bernardino, California: 41,351 foreclosure filings; one filing per 33 households. 5. Sacramento, California: 20,516 foreclosure filings; one filing per 36 households. 6. Denver/Aurora, Colorado: 23,842 foreclosure filings; one filing per 42 households. 7. Miami, Florida: 20,275 foreclosure filings; one filing per 46 households. 8. Bakersfield, California: 5,365 foreclosure filings; one filing per 47 households. 9. Memphis, Tennessee: 10,800 foreclosure filings; one filing per 49 households. 10. Cleveland/Lorain/Elyria/Mentor, Ohio: 8,844 foreclosure filings; one filing per 50 households. 11. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 15,720 foreclosure filings; one filing per 50 households. 12. Atlanta/Sandy Springs/Marietta, Georgia: 36,502 foreclosure filings; one filing per 54 households. 13. Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas: 13,221 foreclosure filings; one filing per 57 households. 14. Fresno, California: 4,867 foreclosure filings; one filing per 60 households. 15. Indianapolis, Indiana: 11,677 foreclosure filings; one filing per 62 households. 16. Dayton, Ohio: 5,966 foreclosure filings; one filing per 63 households. 17. Dallas, Texas: 23,284 foreclosure filings; one filing per 65 households. 18. Akron, Ohio: 4,378 foreclosure filings; one filing per 70 households. 19. Oakland, California: 13,482 foreclosure filings; one filing per 70 households. 20. Columbus, Ohio: 10,706 foreclosure filings; one filing per 70 households. http://www.ranchobernardorealestate.info/ ]]> U.S. Real Estate Foreclosures Increase Nationwide http://www.artwoo.com/article/us-real-estate-foreclosures-increase-nationwide http://www.artwoo.com/article/us-real-estate-foreclosures-increase-nationwide#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2007 02:27:19 +0000 foreclosure ratesforeclosuresmidwest regionsouthwest regionpercentage increaselayoffsbleak http://www.artwoo.com/article/us-real-estate-foreclosures-increase-nationwide Foreclosures continue to rise across America. According to the latest annual report of http://Foreclosures.com, the number of foreclosures filed nationwide in 2006 had increased by 51 percent from the previous year, with foreclosure filings nearly topping one million. When compared to 641,000 foreclosure filings made in 2005 nationwide, almost 971,000 foreclosure filings were reported last year.

Among the States, California reported the highest number of foreclosure filings in 2006 with 157,417 foreclosures filed, which is an increase by 94 percent from the year before. California is followed by Florida with 120,989 foreclosure filings. Nevada struggled with the largest in foreclosures in 2006 of 175 percent.

The Northeast region reported 96,101 foreclosures in 2006, an increase of 64.6 percent from 58,394 foreclosures filed in 2005. Still, a few states in the region, such as Maryland and Delaware, saw a decrease in foreclosure filings.

Foreclosure filings in the of the nation went up beyond 70 percent with many states including Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska facing increases of 80 to 96 percent. Industrial and a tough economy have spurted the number of foreclosure filings in this region, with foreclosure figures in states such as Iowa and Kansas increasing beyond 100 percent. The was the most affected with one out of every 2.2 foreclosures in the country taking place there. The region closed the books for 2006 with an increase of 37 percent from 162,259 foreclosures in 2005 to 220,189 foreclosures. Foreclosure filings in Colorado increased by 55.4 percent, while foreclosures in Texas increased by 35.2 percent. Although the region struggled with the high , the figures are not all for the region with a few states showing a decrease in foreclosure filings. Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Oregon reported fewer foreclosure filings in 2006 when compared to 2005. These states have particularly reported a drop in foreclosure filings in the last quarter of 2006.

Although the foreclosure reports are not very cheerful, Alexis McGee, president of http://Foreclosures.com anticipates the housing market to improve soon. Overextended homeowners, who have been struggling to keep up with heavy debt loads, rising interest rates and property taxes, can soon look forward to some relief as home inventories come down and the market start looking up again. McGee also adds that the current housing market may be the best opportunity for home buyers in the next six years. http://www.sandiegocondos.name http://www.point-loma-homes.com http://www.poway-home.com ]]> How Serious Is Identity Theft Really? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-serious-is-identity-theft-really http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-serious-is-identity-theft-really#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:25:01 +0000 credit card fraudnations identitydumpster divingloan fraudcbs newsbank fraudcomplaint data http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-serious-is-identity-theft-really
In 2007 identity theft accounted for 36 percent of the 674,354 fraud and identity theft complaints (reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

In 2005 -255,565 cases of identity theft were reported to the FTC

In 2004 -246,847 cases of identity theft were reported to the FTC

In 2003 215,177 cases reported of identity theft were reported to the FTC

In 2001 reported that someone became the victim of identity theft every 79 seconds (CBSnews.com, 1/25/01)

Between 1997 and 2005 the Federal Trade Commission reported that over 3 million cases of fraud and identity theft were reported to over 1400 law enforcement agencies in 19 nations. Identity theft crimes are not limited to the United States but are committed world wide.

Facts every consumer should know:

- (26%) was the most common form of reported identity theft followed by phone or utilities fraud; (18%), (17%), and employment fraud (12%). Other significant categories of identity theft reported by victims were government documents/benefits fraud (9%) and (5%). (Federal Trade Commission )

- the majority of cases go unreported to Federal or local authorities

- the most common age group affected by identity theft is 18-29

- the top 10 metropolitan areas affected by identity theft include: Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; Miami, FL; San Francisco, CA; and Dallas, TX (2005)

- California had the most reported cases of identity theft with a total of approximately 45,000 cases of identity theft (2005)

- the most common method of retrieving information for use in identity theft is through lost or stolen wallets, theft of mail, , and information obtained through friends, family or consumer providers

- another common method of obtaining your information is by "stealing" it at a business that you may you frequent

New, Harder to Detect Form of Identity Theft

Synthetic identity theft occurs when bits and pieces of several people are used in order to create an entirely new identity. Information may come in the form of an address from one person, the social security number of another and employment or banking information from a third or fourth.

Your Damages resulting from Identity Theft:

In a study conducted of 173 victims of identity theft by The Identity Theft Resource Center specific damages were explored. In each case the victim's damages included:

- an extended period of time to correct their credit status; - 85% of the victims found out about the theft when they attempted to apply for a job or credit; - victims are currently spending over 600 hours attempting to repair the damages to their credit - victims are spending money in the approximate a amount of over $16,000 per victim to repair their credit - it is taking longer to remove negative, incorrect or falsified information from their credit reports - many victims equate the emotional impact of identity theft with that of a violent crime - in some cases similar to a rape as the violation can be that personal.

Identity theft is a serious crime. Damages result to individuals, banks, and businesses as well as families. Imagine going to purchase your new home to find out that your credit is damaged and now you are unable to. Imagine the time and money you will spend to correct the problems associated with identity theft. Millions of dollars and Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and millions worldwide are affected each year by identity theft. Victims, both personal and business must use valuable time, effort and resources to correct the situation, which in some cases is beyond total repair. Damages are not only to your credit and your finances but also to your emotional, physical, and psychological well being.

Reporting suspected identity theft is essential to protecting yourself further and protecting others. Reports should be filed with local authorities, your State's Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers need to not only protect their information but by reporting efforts at identity theft may be able to stop it from happening in the future.

Consumers can report ID theft to the FTC by calling the agency's toll-free number: 877-438-4338. Lisa Carey is a contributing author for http://www.IdentityTheftSecrets.com. You can get tips on Identity theft protection, software, and monitoring your credit, as well as learn more about the secrets used by identity thieves at http://www.IdentityTheftSecrets.com ]]> DIY Home Improvements http://www.artwoo.com/article/diy-home-improvements http://www.artwoo.com/article/diy-home-improvements#comments Sat, 04 Nov 2006 08:27:07 +0000 do it yourself home improvementshome improvement projecthonolulu hawaii12 monthsdo it yourselfersarbitronadult population http://www.artwoo.com/article/diy-home-improvements Arbitron, a major media service, uncovered who's really doing, "Do it yourself, home improvements".

An average of 49 percent of the in 75 cities throughout the country made a home improvement of some kind, in the past , as reported in a new study by Scarborough Research. The results show that people who live in smaller areas are more inclined to do their own home improvements in comparison to those who live in larger big-city, areas.

In cities like Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who came in at number one, Buffalo, New York and Toledo, Ohio, it's reported that over half of their population has begun a in the past 12 months.

55 Percent or more of the population in the cities of Atlanta, Rochester, Indianapolis, Detroit and Cincinnati have either started or finished a home improvement project, landing them in the top 10, of all the areas reported.

Ranking lowest, Honolulu, Hawaii was reported to have only 37 percent of it's population doing their own home improvements in the last 12 months, making Honolulu number 75 out of all cities accounted for. In bigger cities like Fresno, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami and Washington DC, it was reported their population as doing less than the average number of repairs to their homes with percentages in ranging from 40 to 48.

With all the home improvement happening by in smaller communities, it would appear that this is the arena in which companies offering materials and services geared toward home improvement, would do the majority of their advertising.

Among the above findings, it was also reported that do it yourselfers were more apt to paint or wallpaper their interiors or try their hand at landscaping, with a telling twenty-five percent of all surveyed. A small percentage (two) were said to install their own home security systems, while a mere one percent add a pool or spa.

Studies show, since 1999, people have dished out 30 percent more money to improve the overall look of their homes. The average cost of today's home improvement is over $3,000! If history repeats itself, that number will likely continue to climb.

A resounding 46 percent of all do it yourselfers were between the ages of 35 and 54, and 63 percent are married with 55 percent having a total household income of over $50,000.

But there's more to this story! The Scarborough Research study also uncovered the following interesting facts.

People who use the internet will likely turn to do it yourself home improvement, as opposed to those who do not. And note-worthy enough of those internet users, the ones who search out financial services, vehicle information and frequent auction sites are even more apt to do their own home improvement!

Music lovers of classic, country and 70's along with sports radio fans are 14 percent more likely than the average to do home improvements too! The breakdown for , go like this:

Of those fifty three percent who remodeled their own kitchens, just four percent broke down and paid for the work to be done. Ranking high among what most home improvement do it yourselfers are doing, include painting and wallpapering, remodeling bathrooms and landscaping. Projects that do it yourselfers would rather pay to have done include the installation of home security systems, carpeting or flooring and heating or air conditioning. Beverly Kane is a staff writer at http://homeimprovementgazette.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.theshoppinggazette.com. ]]> What Is ADD and What Natural Remedies Can Help http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-add-what-natural-remedies-can-help http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-add-what-natural-remedies-can-help#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:10:23 +0000 preservatives in foodadddiet modificationartificial sweetenerspycnogenolherbstypes of food http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-add-what-natural-remedies-can-help ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is a growing problem facing children today. ADD is a type of hyperactivity disorder most commonly found in children, but it can also be present in adults. It is currently the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder in children and is believed to afflict more than two million children. Ritalin and similar stimulating drugs are often used to treat this illness. However, studies indicate use of these drugs may have long-term effects on the brain long after its effective use is over. Because of this, many parents seek out use of homeopathic or natural remedies for treatment. Use of non mainstream treatments is heavily debated and studies showing effectiveness are largely inconclusive.

Diet

Modification of the diet is reported to have lasting positive results on children suffering from ADD. The popularity of this theory was advanced by Dr. Benjamin Feingold who claimed the increase in children diagnosed with ADD directly coincided with the increase in and . Reducing the amount of these in the diet can produce the desired outcome. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and caffeine can all contribute to undesired behavior evident in children with ADD. Reducing the amounts of these items will be beneficial and help with overall health as they have little or no nutritional value.

Vitamins

Using vitamins such as B6 have been reported to increase alertness in children suffering from ADD, though no conclusive studies have been accepted. Zinc was also a popular vitamin to use to assist in reducing the behavioral effects of ADD. Currently, using multivitamins to enhance the diet is reported to be the best option.

Herbal Remedies

Caution should be used when mixing as certain doses of herbs and certain combinations can cause harm. It is suggested to consult with a homeopath for advice on which herbs to use before treatment. Use of , an extract of pine tree bark, is claimed to improve the attention span; however studies have been inconclusive. Improvements in attention, blood flow to the brain, cognitive retention and stress relief are reported to be available in certain herbs such as ginkgo, ginseng, brahmi, green oats and gotu kola.

Audio Visual Stimulation

There have been reported cases of great success using audio video stimulation. A process called entrainment is used to alter patterns of brainwaves. This method is not yet widely popular but has reported significant successful treatments. It is an inexpensive treatment; however it is not covered by most insurance companies.

Research all available treatment options for ADD before committing to one. Using various herbs and drugs can have a negative effect, so use with caution and under the supervision of a physician or homeopath. With the growing frequency of ADD diagnoses, finding effective cures is of utmost importance. About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for http://www.hyperadd.com/.. To learn more about natural Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder treatment, visit http://www.hyperadd.com/.naturaladhdtreatment/ ]]> No Win No Fee Compensation After Suffering an Accident at Work http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-win-no-fee-compensation-after-suffering-an-accident-at-work http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-win-no-fee-compensation-after-suffering-an-accident-at-work#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:22:25 +0000 health and safety procedureshealth and safety executiveworkplace accidentssafety restrictionsworkplace accidentfurther trainingnecessary steps http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-win-no-fee-compensation-after-suffering-an-accident-at-work safety restrictions within the workplace are probably the toughest that they have ever been. You can't do anything without the correct training or without the right equipment and this is the way that it should be in order to reduce the number of s that occur every year; however this only works if employers follow the correct assessments and ensure that all their employees are trained in the correct . Sadly, despite the improvements within health and safety, accidents within the workplace do still occur, causing serious injury to thousands of employees each year.

If you are asked to do a job by your employer you need to make sure that one, you can do what you are being asked and you are correctly trained in it and two, you are provided with equipment suitable for the job and that you know how to use it. If you are asked to do something within your employment that you aren't completely comfortable and familiar with you should inform your employer of this and explain that without or knowledge of the job you can't perform it. This will not affect your position within a company as it is the responsibility of your employer to make sure that you are safe when you are carrying out your job.

If the worst does happen and you do end up suffering a workplace accident then there are several procedures that should be carried out by your employer; for a start the accident should be reported in the company's accident book. All workplaces should have an accident book so that if something does go wrong it can be reported and the can be taken to prevent that accident from happening again. If the accident is more serious then not only will it need to be recorded in the accident book but it will also need to be reported to the (HSE), or in Northern Ireland the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). The following must be reported to them:

• If a death has occurred in the workplace
• Any major injuries
• Dangerous incidents for example, the collapse of scaffolding, people overcome by gas
• Any other injury that stops an employee from doing their normal work for more than three days
• If any disease has spread

If you have suffered a workplace injury in the last three years then you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation; you can do this via a no win no fee claim. This means that if your claim for compensation is successful you will keep 100% of the compensation that you are awarded. Your solicitor's fees will be paid by the losing party, leaving your compensation untouched.

Compensation via a no win no fee claim will be awarded to put you back in a financial situation that you was in before the accident occurred. It is awarded to cover things such as medical expenses and any loss of earning that you may be suffering from while you are out of work waiting for your injuries to heal.

For more information about making a claim for compensation after suffering an injury in the workplace get in touch with a solicitor today, who will be able to guide you through your claim from start to finish.Helen is the web master of Accident Consult, who are specialists in all aspects of Workplace Compensation Claims. ]]> Vicks Vapor Rub For Nail Fungal Infections http://www.artwoo.com/article/vicks-vapor-rub-for-nail-fungal-infections http://www.artwoo.com/article/vicks-vapor-rub-for-nail-fungal-infections#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:50:03 +0000 vicks vapor rubnail fungustoenail fungusreported successcotton socksmedicationidea http://www.artwoo.com/article/vicks-vapor-rub-for-nail-fungal-infections Vicks Vapor Rub is a product that is commonly known to fight colds and to help an individual to breathe easier. While there are no medical studies or findings to support theories, some sufferers have in using Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus. This is available at any supermarket or most retail stores and is fairly inexpensive. There is no prescription required; however it is recommended that an individual speak with his/her doctor prior to using Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus.

Individuals who have used Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus have reported applying it directly to the affected toenail area. Because this product is rumored to discolor the nail area, it is not typically used on fingernails. As with most medicines, it is important to keep this product away from the eyes and is for external use only. This is another reason that it is not commonly applied to the hands because, throughout the day, we eat with our hands, rub our eyes, etc. It is not clear how using Vicks Vapor Rub for nail fungus actually aids in removing the fungus, but some have reported success.

After applying Vicks Vapor Rub on the toenail, it may be a good to wear socks to bed in order to keep the medicine from rubbing off on the sheets. It is also a good idea to wear because of the fabric's breathable nature and this will prevent the medication from rubbing off onto other surfaces during the day. It is important to note the frequently changing socks will help to prevent the from worsening.

While there have been individual reports of success with using Vicks Vapor Rub, it is not clear how accurate these findings are. Before applying any medication to the infected area, the sufferer must read all of the general use information and warning label, if any, on the product packaging.

If left untreated, nail fungus can be a very painful ailment and can also lead to more serious complications. The possibility of permanent nail damage and spreading the bacteria to other nails is always a concern with nail fungus. However, in some cases, a more serious infection may develop if nail fungus is not treated quickly and accurately. There are a number of rumored home remedies for nail fungus, with Vicks Vapor Rub being one of them. Vincent Abrugar is the webmaster of http://www.cure-nail-fungus.com a useful information website about nail fungus and nail fungus treatment. ]]> Lasik: After The Surgery http://www.artwoo.com/article/lasik-after-the-surgery http://www.artwoo.com/article/lasik-after-the-surgery#comments Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:27:08 +0000 posterior vitreous detachmentlasik complicationlasik dry eyesmacular holesubconjunctival hemorrhagestarburstsastigmatism http://www.artwoo.com/article/lasik-after-the-surgery
What can go Wrong?

Early Postoperative Complications

A is a common and minor post-. The incidence of refractive surgery patients having unresolved complications six months after surgery has been estimated from 3% to 6%. The following are some of the more frequently reported complications of Lasik:

* Dry eyes * Overcorrection or undercorrection * Visual acuity fluctuation * Halos or around light sources at night * Light sensitivity * Ghosts or double vision * Wrinkles in flap (striae) * Decentered ablation * Debris or growth under flap * Thin or buttonhole flap * Induced * Epithelium erosion * *

Late Postoperative Complications The incidence of epithelial ingrowth has been estimated at 0.1%.

Glare is another commonly reportedly complication of those who have had Lasik . Halos or starbursts around bright lights at night are caused by the irregularity between the lasered part and the untouched part. It is not practical to perform the surgery so that it covers the width of the pupil at full dilation at night, and the pupil may expand so that light passes through the edge of the flap into the pupil.

In daytime, the pupil is smaller than the edge. Newer equipment is available to properly treat those with large pupils, and responsible physicians will check for them during examination.

Safety and Efficacy The reported figures for safety and efficacy are open to interpretation. In 2003, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the largest insurer for doctors in the United Kingdom, reported a 166% increase in claims involving laser eye surgery; however, the MDU averred that these claims resulted primarily from patients' "unrealistic expectations" of Lasik rather than "faulty surgery".

A 2003 study reported in the medical journal Ophthalmology found that nearly 18% of treated patients and 12% of treated eyes needed retreatment. The authors concluded that "higher initial corrections, astigmatism, and older age are risk factors for Lasik retreatment."

In 2004, the British National Health Service's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) considered a systematic review of four randomized controlled trials before issuing guidance for the use of Lasik within the NHS.

Regarding the procedure's efficacy, NICE reported, "Current evidence on Lasik for the treatment of refractive errors suggests that it is effective in selected patients with mild or moderate short-sightedness" but that "evidence is weaker for its effectiveness in severe short-sightedness and long- sightedness."

Regarding the procedure's safety, NICE reported that "there are concerns about the procedure's safety in the long term and current evidence does not appear adequate to support its use within the NHS without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research." Leading refractive surgeons in the United Kingdom and United States, including at least one author of a study cited in the report, believe NICE relied on information that is severely dated and weakly researched.

Satisfaction Various surveys have been performed to determine patient satisfaction with Lasik.

According to a 2005 survey, 92.2% of patients reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their surgery. This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more lasik resources at: http://www.lasik-report.info ]]> Cancer And Hormone Use http://www.artwoo.com/article/cancer-and-hormone-use http://www.artwoo.com/article/cancer-and-hormone-use#comments Mon, 01 Jan 2007 10:27:04 +0000 breast cancer tumorsbreast cancer symposiumcancer breastcancer deathscause of cancernecessarilyhormones http://www.artwoo.com/article/cancer-and-hormone-use cancer deaths in women worldwide. There are well over 1 million new cases reported every year, with over 210,000 in the U.S. alone. AFter many years of significant increases in having been reported, there may be some new hope. An announcment at a recent has reported that there may be a link between hormone use and breast cancer. Although they stopped short of declaring a definative link between the two, there was startling evidence that there is a connection.

During 2003, many women stopped taking menopauise when a study showed that the hormones were raising the risk of cancer tumors. Since then, many women who had discovered tumors while undertaking hormone therapy prior, and then stopped, were found to be free of tumers. So, while the evidence is not compolete, there is great optimism that the link may have been found.

The reason there can not be a definite connection announced is that since tumors in the breast take so long to develop, going off the hormones would not prenvent new tumors. But for many women, those tumors that had been there before disontinuing the therapy noticed that the tumors had either disappeared, shrunk, or at least stopped growing.

The tumors were most evident among women aged 50 or over and particularly for tumors whose growth is fueled by estrogen. It is in this age group that the majority of hormone useage occourred.

Another bit of interesting data is that this drop in tumors was noticed by numerous registries that report cases to the federal government. Therefore, there is virtually no chance that the data is the result of some kind of fluke or error. Obviously, research is continuing to be sure that these results were not the result of some other factors. Plus, there is no evidence either way whether these tumors will continue to shrink and regress or just take longer to show up.

While this news is good and hopeful it is not definative. Other factors such as overall health, diet, smoking, and weight can still affect your chances of developing cancer. You show be aware of all of these things. But, for now, let's rejoice in this good news. Yvonne Volante, the author, is a big fan of good health practices and writes for fluidvitamin.com, which is the premier health and wellness resource on the internet. You can see all of the articles over at http://www.fluidvitamin.com ]]> About Lasik Complications http://www.artwoo.com/article/about-lasik-complications http://www.artwoo.com/article/about-lasik-complications#comments Mon, 01 May 2006 13:46:23 +0000 lasik surgerylasik complicationslasik complicationlasik treatmentcontactdlkkeratitis http://www.artwoo.com/article/about-lasik-complications LASIK surgery have experienced some kind of complication . However, if you have an experienced surgeon by your side, the rate of surgical complications is far reduced. Common sense aside, one should base their decisions on the actual facts reported by their treatment provider. Overall, the number of complications are generally reported to be less than 1%. Most of the reported problems are handled through laser re-treatments or enhancements.

In order to understand the kind of complications people have your should understand what a is all about. During LASIK surgery a laser beam is used to cut a very thin, hinged flap into the front of the eye. The flap is then lifted and the laser is applied to re-shape the eye, and then the flap is replaced to heal.

Some of the more common types of s are improperly formed LASIK flaps: Sometimes after the first surgery a patient might experience an improperly formed flap. This might create an irregular surface and cause various vision defects. In such cases, LASIK surgery needs to be repeated one or more times to make the eye surface smooth.

Inflammation: Sometimes there might be inflammation that can develop in areas where the flap comes in with the eye. Such a condition, is called diffuse lamellar (). It may create symptoms such as sensitivity towards light and loss of Vision .

Epithelial In growth: If there is any kind of initial swelling in the eye it might create a common LASIK complication called Epithelial in growth, This condition can be best described as a type of scarring which leads to an irregular eye surface and other vision distortions. In such a condition the surgeon lifts the flap and scrapes out the epithelial growth from inside. This is certainly not a full proof method. It has been noticed that in many cases the epithelial in growth reoccurs.

Some other common types of LASIK complications include dry eye, infections and night vision problems such as glaring around the lights.

Many trained surgeons feel that by using better technology and more precise instruments the chances of having a major LASIK complication can be avoided. People who have had a history of eye complications or infections are not advised to go for these surgeries. We researched LASIK information for those looking into the common LASIK treatments, costs and complications normally found with http://lasik4sight.info Laser Eye Surgery. ]]> Does Sleep Deprivation Lead To Insanity? http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-sleep-deprivation-lead-to-insanity http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-sleep-deprivation-lead-to-insanity#comments Wed, 13 Sep 2006 06:27:09 +0000 sleep deprivationlack of sleepmemory memorymemory retentioninsanityfamiliar faceslead http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-sleep-deprivation-lead-to-insanity
A man named Robert McDonald holds the world record for having stayed up for almost nineteen days with no sleep. All that was reported was extreme drowsiness, and intense difficulty with concentration. Another person by the name of Randy Gardener went without sleep for eleven days and again the same was reported.

These cases cleared the biggest misconception about sleep, which was that s to . It is clear that sleep deprivation does not lead to you losing your sanity but in fact here is a really surprising fact for you. In a recent study on over one million participants, it was discovered that those who slept less, actually went on to live a longer life. This excludes the extra time gained by sleeping less.

In some cases, was reported as a major problem. For example, many insomniacs experience hallucinations, slow speech, movement, reactions and poor concentration. This however does not confirm that lack of sleep can lead to insanity. Hallucinations and other signs of lack of sleep mentioned above are temporary and can be cured upon a good days sleep.

One astonishing discovery made recently on the aspect of sleep is that sleep interferes with memory. Memory has a very clear link with sleep. An experiment conducted on individuals who had not gone to sleep for nearly two days showed that their on identifying individual faces was weak and difficult for the subject. However the subjects were able to distinguish from the unfamiliar ones with a positive outcome. This in some way can be the reason from where, the false theory of insufficient sleep can lead to insanity, may have been derived.

Many people today complain from the lack of sleep and blame many of their health problems due to the insufficient sleep. Experts argue that any association between sleep and health problems almost always emerge weak at best and could without difficulty be explained by other causes. Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health - http://www.hapahapa.com for more articles. ]]> Credit Cards And Credit Scores http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-cards-and-credit-scores http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-cards-and-credit-scores#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:34:59 +0000 issue credit cardslegitimate reasoncredit scorecredit reporting agenciescredit scorescredit bureausextra time http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-cards-and-credit-scores credit scores are often tied together? It is true, and there are several ways that this happens.

The manner in which you pay=97or do not pay=97the monthly payments for your credit cards will certainly have a bearing on your credit score. If you pay on time, you will earn a better score as time goes by. On the other hand, if you are late on your payments, your score will go down. Two interesting facets of this, however, are time and=97for lack of a better word=97mercy.

Time and mercy come into play when you know that you cannot make the payments on your credit cards. If you know that you do not have the funds to make your payments, it is far better to contact the company and explain your situation than it is to simply ignore the payment. When you fail to make a payment and fail to contact the company, they simply have no idea what is going on with you. You may have a for not being able to make the payment, but they do not know that. When you miss a payment and have not contacted the company, you can all but expect to have that missed payment reported to the at about the 30 day mark. If you miss two payments and have not contacted the company, it is all but guaranteed that it will be reported.

There is a better way to handle these issues. Companies that almost always have the authority to grant you if you need it. They can only do this, however, if you contact them before the payment is overdue or very soon thereafter. If you have a good reason for not being able to make the payment they can offer different plans to help get you through the short-term. In many cases, if you can get the payment into them within a reasonable amount of time, they will not report the missed payment to the .

Consumers should understand that once any type of negative information is reported and attached to the credit report that information can stay on the report for up to seven years. During that time, lenders will see this negative information and it can have an effect on your financial future. Consumers should also understand that their credit score is determined by the information that is recorded on the credit reports that are maintained by the three credit reporting agencies.

The math is simple on this. If you miss payments on your credit cards and do not contact the companies to make arrangements the missed payment will go on your credit report. That same credit report will then be used to determine your overall credit score. In most cases, negative information, such as missed payments, will result in lowered . With a lower credit score, you may find it hard to get future credit cards or credit in general. You may also be subject to higher interest rates on those loans that you are able to get. To avoid all of this, contact the companies that are carrying your credit cards when you need help with payments. It is well worth the time and effort it takes. Joe Kenny writes for http://www.creditcardsweb.co.uk/ for UK credit cards and also http://www.iloanapplication.com/ for the best in online personal loans. ]]> Weaker Sales Seen For Third Quarter http://www.artwoo.com/article/weaker-sales-seen-for-third-quarter http://www.artwoo.com/article/weaker-sales-seen-for-third-quarter#comments Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:25:00 +0000 market sharegm spokesmanedmundstold bloombergautomakerscash rebatesheadwinds http://www.artwoo.com/article/weaker-sales-seen-for-third-quarter AUTOMAKERS REPORTED WEAK SEPTEMBER VEHICLE SALES against a backdrop of continued economic . Still, some automakers -- especially those with new models automakers -- fared better than those without new wares. General Motors, Nissan and Honda reported gains; Ford, Toyota and Chrysler saw declines. Total industry sales in September ran at a seasonally adjusted rate of 16.23 million units compared with 16.60 million in September last year.

"This month was pretty much in line with what we expected," said Jesse Toprak, executive director of .com's" >http://Edmunds.com's industry analysis. "Auto manufacturers that saw the most gains had new or freshened models -- GM with the Cadillac CTS and new crossovers, Honda with the Accord, Nissan with the Altima."

One surprise, Toprak noted, was the strength of the luxury segment, surprising because of weakness in the housing market, higher gas prices and the interest rate crunch. "Those factors didn't effect buyers of new luxury vehicles," Toprak noted.

GM, Ford and Chrysler captured 52.3 percent in September, down from 55.1 percent in September 2006 and up from 52.1 percent in August.

September Market Share for the Big 6 Automakers of GM 25.6%

Toyota Market Share 16.3%

Ford Market Share 14.4%

Chrysler Market Share 12.2%

Honda Market Share 9.2%

Nissan Market Share 7.2%

To help with sluggish sales, General Motors Corp. has added some new incentives on its large pickups and sport-utility vehicles for October following its second-straight month of sales gains, Bloomberg News reported today. The offers of $1,000 on such vehicles as the 2007 and 2008 Chevrolet Silverado large pickup and GMC Envoy SUV, began Tuesday and run through the end of the month, John McDonald .

GM also extended through Oct. 31 its offer of zero-percent financing for up to five years on some SUVs and large pickups, McDonald said. The $1,000 cash rebates are in addition to other incentives and can't be used with the zero-percent loans. Jim Harris is President of http://www.elite-searchenginemarketing.com specializing in SEO/SEM. Let us raise your search engine rankings as we have for http://www.willishonda.com ]]> The Flathead Lake Monster http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-flathead-lake-monster http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-flathead-lake-monster#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:08:36 +0000 flathead lake monsterflathead lake montanapolson flathead historical museumwhite sturgeondark shapeseveral milesgood fight http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-flathead-lake-monster
In 1949, the Polson family who was out for a picnic near the lake reported that they saw a very huge fish in Flathead lake. It was more than a hundred meters from them but they could clearly see about six feet of its tail appearing above the water. It swam towards the southeastern part of the lake and it produced waves that were a foot high as it gradually went under water.

On May 28, 1955, Leslie Griffith was able to catch a very big sturgeon near Dayton, down the Flathead Lake. The sturgeon put off a very as Griffith pointed out. When the carcass of the was measured, it was about eight foot long; weighing almost two hundred pounds. The remains of the white sturgeon were then brought to the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum.

At that account, people in the area around Flathead Lake assumed that it was the end of the line for their own "Nessie" story. However many skeptics theorized that the large fish might have been pulled from the lake, but it might have been brought in to the lake from somewhere else. True to most theories, the slain sturgeon did not put an end to the stories of the . More sightings of the creature were reported every year.

In 1993, there were more than twenty reported sightings of the Flathead Lake Monster. Among the most prominent records were those during July 13 and July 29. On July 13, a bank officer and a sales manager of Seattle claimed that they had videotaped their sighting of the Flathead Lake Monster. They said that the monster had a sturgeon-like head but its body seemed to be more akin to that of an eel. They said that the body seemed to be at least twelve feet in length. In the video, a emerging from the water's surface can be observed.

Two weeks after, an Illinois policeman with his family said that they saw a "nessie" in the waters near the north side of Wild Horse Island. They said that they were on their boat when they spotted the creature fifty yards away from them. They said that it swam past their boat at a distance of about a hundred yards away. According to the officer, the Flathead Lake monster had a shiny and slippery body. It had a head much like the size of a bowling ball and its body extended to about twenty feet long.

There is a website that describes the Flathead Lake Monster and numerous other creatures of Cryptozoology in detail, this website is called: Unknown Creatures and it may be found at this url: http://www.unknown-creatures.com

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet since 2001, and has been producing low-cost software for many years. He first released software on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's. Robert has written many articles pertaining to numerous subjects, and he has also developed over 7 different websites. Seasonal Vacation Spots http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com]]> Anaconda Snakes Pictures: Updated and Explained! http://www.artwoo.com/article/anaconda-snakes-pictures-updated-and-explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/anaconda-snakes-pictures-updated-and-explained#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:16:17 +0000 american rain forestsanaconda snakesgiant anacondasloch ness monstershy creaturesverifiable proofvincent roth http://www.artwoo.com/article/anaconda-snakes-pictures-updated-and-explained Loch Ness Monster have been reported for centuries yet there have been no of any of these creatures! For cryptozoologists, though, the theory they may exist is utterly fascinating. Likewise, for anyone who is interested in zoology and cryptozoology the anaconda is an equally fascinating study.

Unlike the aforementioned creatures, we know anacondas exist and have ourseles enough substantial proof with available pictures from reputable sources. What we do not know, however, is how big these snakes actually get. Reported sightings of are where the scientific community holds the most interest thanks to many Hollywoof events to say the least!

What we know about these creatures is that they are accepted to be the world largest known snakes for length and girth. They are found in the South and are rather which are the foundation of a lot of mystery surrounding them.

There are reported cases from explorers and natives of anacondas reaching over one hundred feet in length. However, there is no verification that this is, indeed, the case. In fact, there is much dispute over how large these creatures can actually get.

A study in Brazil of over one thousand anacondas revealed the average length to be approximately seventeen feet. However, we also know that they can get upwards to just around the thirty feet range. Even while the reported incidents of fifty to one hundred foot anaconda sightings are met with some skepticism, there are still two cases of anacondas measuring over thirty feet that are widely held to be accurate, though no concrete evidence of such is easily verifiable.

In 1944 an expedition shot an anaconda that was subsequently measured at thirty seven feet and six inches long. The snake was believed to be dead but apparently it was not. The reptile escaped before pictures could even be taken!

A renowned scientist, , also reportedly measured an anaconda to be approximately thirty four feet in length. However, as with the 1944 example, no anaconda snakes picture was taken to prove this claim. Even so, many in the scientific community believe both instances to have some validity to them.

Expeditions to South America have resulted in numerous anaconda pictures throughout the years. It is undeniable that these magnificent creatures are large and imposing. However, the more outrageous claims of snakes growing over fifty feet are somewhat unbelievable. Even if pictures are taken the angle and scale can be skewed and perception can be altered to where it is difficult to determine the actual size.

For cryptozoologists, the discovery of any anaconda over thirty feet would be an incredible boon for the scientific community. This is one of the main reasons these creatures are studied at length and expeditions occur regularly for their study.

Nowadays anyone who captures or finds a dead anaconda of such proportions will likely be sure to have the anaconda snakes picture taken in order to prove their claims. In addition, it is likely that an attempt would be made to capture the snake. Until that time, though, the community at large will take the somewhat delusional though opinion that they can grow from thirty to 100 feet. We just have to thank Hollywood sometimes!Warning: Anaconda Pictures are being shown for educational and scientific purposes, do know they might be shocking enough to believe legitimacy. An update on the latest Anaconda Snakes Picture kept many people surprised by the facts and overwhelming live evidence. See it now!]]> Do The Risk Of Bird Flu Outbreak Hover Over Australia Also? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-the-risk-of-bird-flu-outbreak-hover-over-australia-also http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-the-risk-of-bird-flu-outbreak-hover-over-australia-also#comments Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:27:02 +0000 bird flu virush5n1 virusmigrate to australiavirus h5n1migratory birdscontinent of australiaspecies of birds http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-the-risk-of-bird-flu-outbreak-hover-over-australia-also
Avian influenza, popularly known as bird flu did not spare the vast either. Could it be the that have done the trick? Migratory birds were held in awe and admiration by you, particularly by the bird-watchers all over the world. But, now you await them with suspicion.

Does avian influenza in birds cause the disease to spread in human beings also? Luckily, not to a great extent so far. The deaths reported since 2003, with the arrival of the flagship , H5N1, are just 120 all over the world. Why then researchers and scientists are so much worried about the outbreak of the bird flu? Why the concerned authorities are culling birds in millions?

The root cause of the worry is on account of the mutating capacity of the bird flu virus. It is likely to take the deadly shape anytime, if the past behavior of this type of virus is any indication. Whether the migratory birds will do it in Australia? Or the international travelers should be blamed, when the expected pandemic occurs in Australia? Why such strong fears among the medical fraternity of Australia? What is the basis for this latent fear?

The Australian health authorities are vigilant and confident. They can prove to you that is not present in Australia. The job of spreading the virus is carried out by water fowls in Europe, Asia and Africa, but they do not . But the that do migrate luckily are not the carriers of the bird flu virus. Australia has strict quarantine laws and the measures are correctly followed. So the disease can not arrive in Australia through imported birds or poultry products.

The standards of personal hygiene are excellent in Australia. So, the normal contacts of the people with the birds will do no harm. The Australian authorities and the people also know how to take care of caged birds, aviary and yard birds. The measures adopted are simple, just don't allow them to mix with the wild birds and give them good feed and clean water supply.

Australia knows it well- prevention is better than cure. A mock exercise conducted in November 2005, gave detailed instructions with practical demonstrations, how to meet the emergent situation, should there be an attack of bird flu.

The incidents of avian influenza reported in Australia so far are just five, but they are small incidents, very well controlled- and controlled in time. The last incident reported was in the year 1997. http://www.isitbirdflu.com/ and Bird Flu website provides detailed information on bird flu, bird flu prevention, bird flu symptoms and more. ]]> What is the Biggest Snake? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-the-biggest-snake http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-the-biggest-snake#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:44:18 +0000 giant anacondadead snakedepth perceptionmagnificent creatureanacondasexotic petsmassive size http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-the-biggest-snake exotic pets enthusiast ask themselves what is the biggest snake? There are many answers, however, one can only be confirmed as truthful. The anaconda is the world's largest known snake. Made famous and highly addicted by some of Hollywood's films, most people have heard about this incredible snake but not many know much about the truth regarding these .

The biggest anaconda found was over thirty seven feet long!

Consider that the average American full size car is approximately sixteen feet in length, you could put two cars in a row and still not reach the size of this particular snake! What is even more amazing about this fact is that are not generally seen and there very well may be others alive that surpass this record.

Because anacondas are easily camouflaged, they are not seen en masse so rumors of this snake run rampant. There have been reports of anacondas anywhere from fifty to one hundred feet in length. While it is quite possible that this can occur there is no recorded evidence of any snake reaching those dimensions.

The of anacondas tends to lead people to exaggerate their length simply due to incorrect . These snakes usually hide in the water when moving and this can greatly skew their perceived size. Unfortunately, unless a snake is captured or killed there is no accurate way to measure them. The margin of error when it comes to estimating these snake's size if fairly great.

Another reason the size of the snake can be exaggerated somewhat is because of the elasticity of their hide. Because the skin stretches so easily, when found either from shedding or on a it can seem like the snake was actually longer than it was. It is undisputed that anacondas are extremely large snakes and it is generally accepted that they are the largest of all snakes.

However, do know that s though believed to exist are extremely rare. But what, exactly, constitutes a giant anaconda when these uncommon snakes are commonly seen at lengths up to seventeen feet?The reported case of the biggest anaconda found was approximately thirty seven and one half feet long.

However, even though there were measurements taken at the time it was found in 1944, pictures were not taken and the snake was not skinned in order to preserve the record. This leaves some to disbelieve the account and completely discount its accuracy. Scientist Vincent Roth claims to have killed a thirty four foot anaconda. Unfortunately, no concrete evidence of this claim exists either. There are other reported cases, some from reputable sources but still their validity is in doubt.

Regardless of which account is believed, there is only one concrete study in recent years that can be proven. The seventeen foot anaconda was captured, measured and recorded during a study in Brazil of these snakes.

However, there are so many reported incidents of much larger anacondas that even the most skeptical of scientists believe the biggest anaconda found would exceed this measurement significantly. Seventeen feet in length is a certainty.

Many people believe the validity of thirty seven feet as the largest anaconda found. Reported cases of anacondas exceeding one hundred feet are generally met with skepticism but this is not to say it is not possible. Only time will tell whether or not the anaconda record can be beaten and proven.Warning: The video and content in our Biggest Anaconda section is for educational, science or exotic pet dilligence and it is not for everyone to indulge. An update on the latest What is the Biggest Snake question is now being answered live in our resource center.]]> Credit Reports: Is Yours Accurate And Telling The Truth About You? http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-reports-is-yours-accurate-and-telling-the-truth-about-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-reports-is-yours-accurate-and-telling-the-truth-about-you#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2006 22:27:06 +0000 free credit reportcredit reporting agenciesidentity theftcredit reporting agencycredit reportspersonal informationopen your eyes http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-reports-is-yours-accurate-and-telling-the-truth-about-you credit reports is correct. Otherwise, you are not getting the deserving benefits that you should be getting. Your credit report means a lot to those that are interested in lending you money. If you want to apply for a loan for a home or a car, or if you are looking for new employment, your credit report is essential as it tells others if you are a risk. Are you a risk? Find out what the think about that.

Here are some steps to finding more out about your own credit report.

1. Pull your . The credit report provides a good deal of information and is something you need to read. You are entitled to one credit report per year without charge. Of course, you can purchase additional reports if you would like to. For your first time around, though, getting all three is something you should do.

2. Determine if your name, address, your other is correct on your credit report. If you notice that there are mistakes there, make sure that they are taken care of as soon as possible. is a huge crime, and it's often something you don't spot until it is too late.

3. Now, make sure that your credit card companies and other loans are accurate. They may be up to a month behind in being reported, yet the information in your credit report should be fairly accurate. If you find that it is not, you should then take action.

4. Any problems or mistakes that you find on your credit report should be reported to the . When you do this, you will be able to get anything that is not accurate removed from your credit report. What's nice is that most of the credit reporting agencies will allow you to report these problems right here on the web.

5. Your credit report is likely to to your financial status as well. You may not realize how tapped out you actually are until you see your credit report. Yet, you can use it as a tool for improvement and for getting back on track with a good credit score.

Your credit score, which is a number developed by the credit reporting agencies, is something that is not provided without cost to you, yet you can and probably should pull that information for a small fee. It too will help you to gauge what type of loans you qualify for as well as where you stand financially speaking. Visit http://creditandyou.com for more information on how to understand credit reports and what to do starting today to begin to repair yours. ]]> A Small Business Network Security Survey http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-small-business-network-security-survey http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-small-business-network-security-survey#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:58:06 +0000 smart passwordcontinuity of operationshacker attackssurvey respondentsimportant companysoftware processestrojan horse http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-small-business-network-security-survey Important company information is stored in electronic format on these networks, and daily operations are dependent on the network being both available and secure. In many cases, these small businesses ignore or are unaware of the risks that could compromise the safety of the data. To better understand these issues, two hundred of these small businesses were interviewed about their network security. Companies ranged from those with ten employees or less, to those with over a hundred staff members.

Over half of the believed that their network was adequately safe or very secure. A large number of respondents did admit that they doubted their defenses against an attack. This isn't too surprising, as nearly all businesses have experienced some type of security threat in the last year, from lost computers or back-up takes, , viruses, or theft by employees.

The top three threats reported were:

1) or virus attacks
2) Stolen or lost computers, including data storage devices
3) Employee theft or hacker attack

Company defenses reported include:

1) Virus Protection
2) Firewall
3) Spyware Protection
4) Spam Filters

Recommendations:

Most companies reported that they lacked a policy, automated patch management, and employee network use policies. Generally, many of these businesses don't have full protection against an attack, and have not yet had to put their defenses to the test.

There isn't one single fix to ensure secure on a network. However, we recommend a layered approach in managing these pressing security threats. This layered approach examines vulnerability in different areas including hardware, software, processes, and training. Every layer added another level of protection to the information environment.

1) Blocking network-based attacks
2) Blocking host-based attacks
3) Eliminating vulnerability
4) Supporting authorized users safely
5) Tools for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing losses

To assure the continuity of your business operations, regular testing of these security measures is required.

Level of Overall Security:

Over half the respondents stated that they thought their network was secure enough or better. 30% of the remainder thought their network was only somewhat secure, and over 10% confided that their network was not as secure as it should be.

These small businesses tend to believe that their network is relatively secure: 63% of businesses with less than ten employees and almost 75% of those with between eleven and twenty-five staff members. The larger companies were not as sure of their defenses, with over half of those with fifty to one hundred and 44% of those with over a hundred employees felt secure or secure enough. In the fifty-one to one hundred staff category, over 20% reported that the network was not as secure as should be. In general, the bigger the company, the larger the network - and the greater the number of security risks it must defend against.

Experienced Threats:

The respondents reported on security lapses or attacks that they'd experienced over the last year. The survey showed that Trojan horses or virus attacks are the most common threat to the network, with about half reporting experiences with these issues in that time. The larger companies reported at 40%, the lowest rate, which is indicative of better defenses. Over 60% of the smallest companies reported virus-based attacks.

Loss of company information from theft or loss of storage devices appeared to be a minor threat for smaller companies, but this risk increases with company size. Over 33% of the larger firms reported this sort of experience. Hacker attacks were most often experienced by firms with less than ten employees and those with over a hundred. It seems the smaller networks are more vulnerable, and the largest ones are high-profile, with a greater chance of becoming a target. Unfortunately, staff members can create a security risk themselves; about 10% of businesses reported that they had experienced unauthorized access or theft in the allotted time frame.

Devices and Procedures:

Good procedures, processes and systems can help defend against security threats. In the survey, respondents were asked which security methods were in use. Most reported that they had virus protection and firewalls. Around 25% lacked spam filters and spyware removal, leaving networks open to malware which ranges from dangerous to annoying. Under 50% have patch management or a smart password policy in place. This smart password system uses passwords with a mixture of normal and special characters which are frequently changed.

As compared to the largest companies surveyed, smaller businesses are less-often implementing network use policies for employees. Over 80% of the larger companies have defined guidelines for proper and improper network use. These guidelines attempt to lower the amount of network activity unrelated to the business, which result in increased security risk. Many of the respondents use wireless networks. Wireless networks are some of the most vulnerable access points if not well-secured. Only a few companies reported that they use all the top-priority security measures listed in the survey.

Testing:

No security device or feature can be known to provide real defense until it's been tested. Anti-virus specifications could be out of date, a hole could exist within a firewall, or staff members could not be using the correct practices for a safe and secure network. About 25% of respondents indicated that either they couldn't remember the last time they tested their security, or didn't know that they ever had. This seems to indicate that while many have implemented security defenses, they can't be assured that the expected protection is actually provided.

The very smallest companies least-often tested their security measures. About 10% of businesses had tested security, but not for over a year. As the threats change over time, dangerous lapses can occur without periodic testing. Around 33% of respondents reported that they'd tested their security measures within the last month. Validation of network security elements on a regular basis is important to system integrity in an overall continuity plan. It is unfortunate that usually a company only examines its level of exposure after a damaging event which negatively affects the business.Nick Pegley is a small business technology and marketing expert. He has more than 20 years of experience in the technology business and has a special focus on small business markets.]]>