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For Hillsboro, Oregon

An increased loss in vision often sneaks up on someone. Like many others, you probably unconsciously compensate in ways like squinting or moving closer to something to read it. But as the effort to see becomes more noticeable or inconvenient, you may start wondering if you need glasses. Only an exam by an eye doctor can give you a definite answer. The exam usually starts with measuring how clearly you can see, and additional testing includes checking your peripheral vision and the overall he…

With new advances in technology, many industries are changing—including real estate. Even with all of these brand-new technologies, however, there are still reasons you should work with a real estate agent if you’re trying to find a home. It might seem like it’s easy to do your own home search. There are many real estate listing websites where you can browse properties like a catalog. Also, because of the broker fees, many individuals consider going it alone when trying to find a home.…

It is important to stay vigilant of the condition and age of your roof to ensure that it is safe and secure. Many factors, such as weather damage and general wear and tear, can affect a roof's lifespan. To determine when it is time to replace your roof, consider the following factors. 1. Age The age of a roof can be one indicator that it is time to replace it. Most roofs have a lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, depending on the material and the quality of construction. If your roof…

Winter driving can be hazardous when the weather conditions include ice, snow, or freezing rain. To prepare for winter driving conditions, it’s important to take a few safety precautions with your vehicle. 1. Inspect Your Tires A good place to start your preparations is by checking the condition of your tires. This includes checking your tread and your air pressure. Tire traction is extremely important in snowy and icy conditions, so you may want to get them rotated or replaced if need…

You may think that you need a high-quality camera to take photos for your business. The good news is that you don’t need to invest in a camera. As long as you have at least a mid-range smartphone, you can likely take very good pictures with it. If you have a high-end smartphone, there is no question about it. Your phone is more than capable of taking high-quality images that will catch your customers’ attention. But saying you can use your smartphone to take photos for digital marketing …

Dental flossing is an essential part of a regular dental hygiene routine, but many people tend to skip it on a regular basis. However, flossing remains one of the best ways to remove food and plaque from between your teeth and promote good oral health. Let’s discuss the importance of flossing regularly in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 1. Prevent Gum Disease If you’ve ever avoided flossing by using the excuse that your gums hurt or bleed each time, it’s actually a sig…

Painting over dark walls with a lighter color is a common home improvement project that many people choose to do in their homes. It can seem daunting, but painting over dark walls doesn’t have to be hard. Let’s go over a few tips that will make this project a little easier. Gather the Best Tools When painting over a dark wall, you’ll want to make sure you have the best tools for the job. The right painting supplies can make a huge difference when tackling a project like this. Fo…

If you are an avid reader, you likely enjoy spending as much quiet time as possible wrapped up in a good book. Reading doesn't have to be only a solitary pleasure, though. Starting a book club can be a great way to combine your love of reading with insightful social interaction. Here are some of the benefits of launching your own book club and tips for organizing one. 1. Book Clubs Help You Engage Deeper in Reading Those who read a lot often breeze through their reading material and q…

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it's important to seek professional help. But when it comes to choosing a mental health provider, there are a lot of factors to consider. Here are some important questions to ask when making your decision. 1. What are the provider's qualifications and experience in treating mental health conditions? When selecting a qualified provider to help treat mental health conditions, individuals should look for someone who is qualifie…

Google’s ranking algorithms have progressed significantly in the past few years. While it was possible to obtain high rankings for your content through strategic keyword placement and link building in the past, that’s no longer the case. They’re still crucial elements for any SEO strategy but Google now takes into account a lot more before deciding how to rank content on the results page. In recent years, the internet search giant has made a considerable shift to give more weight to th…

Sitting all day can build tension in the body. Not only can it cause physical health issues, but it can also affect people’s energy and level and mood. Increase Flexibility Through Stretching 1. Thoracic Extension The thoracic spine refers to the section of the upper back that sits between the cervical area of the neck and the lumbar spine. To use the stretch, clasp both hands behind the top of your head, and slowly, pull backward. This is a gentle stretch to help alleviate uppe…

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers both control the level of humidity in your home. Specifically, humidifiers increase your humidity by putting more moisture in the air, while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air to lower your humidity. Both can be incredibly useful tools to have in your home, especially if you live someplace where the humidity outside fluctuates. Here are just a few reasons why. Improve Your Health Having dry air in your home can cause issues such as dry skin, irrit…

This year (and every year) we are thankful for YOU!   Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at WhirLocal. …

It's no secret that social media is a powerful tool for businesses. To capitalize on the potential of social media, many companies are hiring social media managers. If you're on the fence about whether or not to hire a social media manager for your company, below are some advantages that may help you make up your mind. 1. Develop and Implement a Social Media Strategy If you're unsure how to use social media to achieve your business goals, a social media manager can help. A good social…

It’s nearly Thanksgiving, which for many people means gathering together with family or friends, giving thanks, and sharing a meal. Thanksgiving also means Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are just around the corner. This weekend of sales is a great way to further show thanks and appreciation for the small businesses we know, like, and trust. Let’s go over a few reasons why we should all #ShopSmall this holiday season and support our local small businesses. Why Sho…

If your home has been damaged by a fire, flood, or other disasters, it's important to hire a restoration company as soon as possible. However, before you do that, there are some things you should consider. 1. What Is Their Experience? When looking for a restoration company, one of the first things you should consider is their experience. How long have they been in business? What kind of disasters have they dealt with in the past? Do they have experience dealing with your specific type of …

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that involve your jaw muscles and joints. TMJ disorders range in symptoms and severity, including jaw pain, earaches, headaches, or popping sensations when you open or close your mouth. Let’s go over the symptoms and potential causes of TMJ disorders, in addition to deciding when to see a doctor. What are TMJ Disorders? Your jaw has two temporomandibular joints that connect it to your skull—one on either side of you…

November is "Adopt a Senior Pet Month" and the perfect time to celebrate older adoptees. Senior pets often spend more time in shelters than their younger counterparts, but many potential adopters don't realize the advantages of adopting older animals. Let's go over a few benefits! Yes, Older Dogs Learn New Tricks Focus is one of the main issues when humans train dogs. From there, simple repetition is all it takes to get a few lessons across. The issue is getting a young dog or cat to …

You know that having a blog on your small business website is a smart idea. After all, it helps with SEO and positions you as an industry expert. However, coming up with blog topics can be incredibly challenging. While you will likely be able to generate a dozen or more topics off the top of your head, you’ll eventually hit a roadblock. Luckily, there are plenty of great resources available. These give you enough ideas for your blog posts for the foreseeable future. Do an Online Search …

Getting your daily dose of vegetables is essential, but it's also important to consume in-season vegetables. Vegetables that are in season are not only flavorful and widely available, but they also offer great nutrition. 1. Brussel Sprouts Brussel sprouts are cruciferous vegetables that may protect against certain cancers like stomach, lung, kidney, and breast cancer. These delicious and crunchy vegetables may even help combat certain health issues like high blood pressure, high cholester…