Preserving Family Heirlooms

Louella — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:08:43 +0000

Most families have little treasures that have been passed down throughout the years. Perhaps it’s a family bible or a hand-sewn wedding dress. Whatever the item, they each have a special memory that needs to be preserved. If you were fortunate enough to become the recipient of a family heirloom here are a few tips for preserving the item. You might also be in the position where you are collecting items that will be passed down directly from you to your children or other family members. An heirloom is typically something like jewelry, like necklaces or rings with precious gems or diamonds, or they otherwise look interesting, like the allure of Kay Jewelers’ pieces. Antiques, deeds, letters, and even handwritten recipes can be handed down. Taking the utmost care is a must, so here is how you can take care of the items you want to be passed down.

Memory

KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE: HOW TO PRESERVE FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

To make sure family heirlooms are loved, respected and treasured for years to come, take the time to write out an explanation for the item. If the article is your great, great grandfather’s pocket watch that he received from his employer on his wedding day in Ireland, write that down. If you don’t and the story isn’t remembered, that watch just becomes an antique with no meaning.

Just take a note card and answer these 6 simple questions:

Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?

If there is some emotional connection to the heirloom like a story, include that as well. If the family sewing machine traveled across the United States in the back of a wagon during the California Gold Rush, write it down. Any item that has been passed down from one generation to the next has stories to tell and it is up to you to preserve those as well.

Temperature

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Fluctuating temperature is a large factor for destroying family heirlooms. Old articles can’t handle incredibly hot or cold temperatures. For this reason, you should try and store your antiques in places that stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid storing your old items in the attic, basement, barn, shed or even near windows or heating vents.

Humidity

Basic Tips for Storing Family Heirlooms

Humidity can murder antiques, especially if it is furniture. If you bring an old piano or rocking chair from the dry desert of New Mexico over to the incredibly humid climate of Louisiana, you’re likely to have the wood split as it tries to pull in all of the moisture. Try to keep your antiques in relatively dry areas so they don’t begin to accumulate mold, but remember that too dry can also lead to things drying out and splitting. Keep heirlooms in an environment that they are used to being in and avoid intense humidity or dryness.

Light

Preserve and Protect Family Heirlooms & Treasures

Ultraviolet light can be dangerous for your antiques because it breaks down the chemicals in the pigmentation of photographs, papers, plastics, and other valuables. If you have old pictures that have begun to fade they might have fallen victim to this decay. Just keep in mind that less light is typically better for preserving your family heirlooms.

Dust

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Not only is dust bothersome, but it can also be detrimental to your family heirlooms. Dust can be wiped away relatively easily, but if it is left to sit for too long it can trap in moisture, causing mold to grow. It can also invite bugs to make homes in old books or wood, and it can weaken materials. Just make sure to be diligent in your dust removal.

If you are especially worried about keeping a family heirloom in good condition you can visit a specialist to help you in the care of your article. Most jewelers should be able to help you with watches and jewelry. Visit your local library or college for help in preserving books and documents. Good luck with keeping your families’ memories alive and preserved.

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8 Things You Should Know Before Going to the Dentist

Louella — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 19:57:32 +0000

Visiting the dentist, whether for a cleaning or for a more daunting appointment like a filling or even dental root canals, is not usually on anyone’s priority list of things they want to do. But because it’s necessary, the best thing you can do to prepare for your appointments and ease those nerves is to educate yourself.

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A group of dentists compiled this list of things you should know before your next appointment.

Toothaches

What causes a toothache?

If you have a toothache, there could be a number of reasons besides another cavity. Tooth sensitivity, generally due to worn enamel or receding gums, can cause toothaches, but that doesn’t mean you have a cavity. A cracked tooth can also be the cause, and it is possible to have a cracked tooth and not even know it. While tooth sensitivity can be self-diagnosable, if you are not 100 percent sure of the cause of your toothaches, you should see a Dentist DTC. They can diagnose the problem and help you decide on the best treatment plan.

Bleeding Gums

Five Things You Can Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding

Bleeding gums are never a good sign. No matter the cause, if your gums are bleeding every time your brush or floss your teeth, it’s a good idea to bring that up with your dentist. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, and your dentist can tell you the best way for you to treat this symptom.

Breath

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?

Yes, your dentist and the hygienists can all smell the last thing you ate before coming in. So, do them and yourself a courtesy by avoiding heavy odor-causing foods the day of your appointment. The good thing is, even if you do forget about this, most dentists and their staff are kind enough not to point it out and embarrass you. If you have bad breath for another reason, it might be a good idea to ask your dentist about it because it could be a sign of another dental problem.

Good Teeth

6 Brushing Tips to Impress Your Dentist

Good teeth get noticed. Generally speaking, the first thing that most people notice in another person is their eyes, and second is their smile – or their teeth. If your teeth are one of the first things someone notices when they meet you, don’t you want to make a good impression? Take care of your teeth and make that dentist appointment. If you are interested in teeth whitening or have crooked teeth you want fixed, your dentist is there to ask those questions and give your recommendations.

Dream Teeth

4 Things You Definitely Need to Do Before going to the Dentist

While having a good-looking smile is great, just remember that your dream teeth might not be possible. You can’t have a smile like Angelina Jolie if your mouth and face aren’t the same shape and size. Remember there are limitations, but your dentist is there to help you along the way.

Chewing Gum

Chewing Gum Negative Effects and Disadvantages

Chewing gum can be a good thing – so long as it’s a sugar-free option. Chewing gum with xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener, can help protect your teeth from cavities. Not only does the act of chewing the gum produce saliva which helps clear sugars out of your mouth, but the xylitol can actually inhibit the growth of bad, cavity-causing bacteria. Keep a pack of xylitol gum with you when you’re on the go to chew after meals. It’s no replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth, but it certainly helps.

Mouth Piercings

Oral Piercings: What You Should Know

Mouth piercings, especially tongue piercings, can be detrimental to your oral health. The small metal piercing clicking constantly against your teeth can chip them and wear down the enamel, leaving you at a greater risk for tooth decay and other mouth infections. Healthwise, it’s best to keep the piercings elsewhere.

Insurance

Everything You Need To Know About Health And Safety Compliance

For you and your dentist, it is best if you come into the office knowing what your insurance covers – and knowing whether or not that dentist takes your insurance. This isn’t to say that the staff at the office can’t help you figure this out, but before making an appointment, it’s good to know what kind of financial commitment you are getting yourself into. This isn’t to scare you away from making the appointment altogether, but rather to help you prepare so nothing unexpected comes up at your first appointment.