(NAPSA)—There’s good news for those looking for a way to build homes that are beautiful, light-filled, green and can withstand severe weather. A company is using proprietary technology to build architect-designed, precision-built, environmentally friendly homes. Severe Weather Solution As Hurricane Sandy and other severe storms have demonstrated recently, it is in a homeowner’s interest to build a structure that can handle all types of extreme weather—hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes and more. In this case, homes made by a company called Blu Homes are engineered to withstand wind gusts of up to 110 mph—this is the mid range of a category 3 hurricane— and can be custom engineered to withstand wind loads of up to 150 mph—well above a category 4. Its homes can also be outfitted with high-performance, hurricane-resistant windows and are also designed to be fire resistant—a real benefit in areas vulnerable to forest fire. Steel Framing Is Key What some may find surprising is the building material that’s key to the home’s construction—structural steel framing. The company reports that its structures, which are all constructed in its own factory, can be built in as little as six months, from initial design to final move-in date. This type of building process eliminates weather delays entirely. The company also provides a suite of complete project management services, which it says will simplify the home-building process even further. Virtual Tours Present Choices By visiting the company’s online 3-D Configurator, a buyer can personalize and take a virtual tour of the home before building. The builder believes this makes it easier for a home buyer to add roof decks or other extras to the design or to select finishes, colors, floor coverings and fixtures. Home buyers can select from eight distinctive home designs, ranging from single-level studios and cottages to two-story, fourbedroom homes with light-filled living rooms that feature 16-ft. windowed walls. After the home is built, it’s shipped to the site selected by the customer, where it is lifted onto the foundation, unfolded and sealed—a process that typically takes four to six weeks. What some may find surprising is the key component to an entire line of homes designed to be green—it’s structural steel framing. A Wide Range Of Uses The builder believes its structures can be used by individual home buyers and building developers in a number of ways, including: •As single-family homes, vacation homes or cottages •A s a c c e s s o r y u n i t s t o a n existing structure, such as master bedroom, home office, media room, art studio, in-law apartment, game room or exercise studio •As a retirement home, providin g in de p e n dent li ving for seniors and empty nesters •As faculty housing or other buildings for educational facilities and institutions •As part of a green housing development •As investment properties for spec builders. A Commitment To Green Solar ready and LEED Silver ce rti fi a bl e u pon leaving the factory, standard green features in th e c om p any’s structures include: •recycled structural steel framing •radiant heat flooring •high R-value walls and •energy-efficient appliances. Plus, Blu Homes can achieve net zero energy status, Energy Star rating, and higher LEED certifications with the inclusion of other available green elements. Built to Last “We believe the most sustainable thing we can do is build our homes to last for generations,” said Bill Haney, the company’s founder and CEO. “Structural steel framing and advanced building science make it possible for Blu’s homes to withstand extreme weather and seismic conditions and give homeowners peace of mind that their families and investments are safe.” To learn more, visit the website at www.bluhomes.com/weather. A Day With The Atom (NAPSA)—Something too small to see can have a big influence on your life in surprising ways. For example, consider what life would be like if scientists had not harnessed the atomic nucleus to meet human needs. There are many more ways than most people realize that nuclear science and technology play a positive role in their daily lives. Here’s a look at some examples: Scientific use of radiation technology is behind much of the material progress we’ve seen in the past half century. When you turn on the light, there’s a one in five chance the electricity came from a nuclear power plant. If you wear contact lenses, the saline solution you use may have been sterilized with radiation. The nonstick surfaces on kitchenware are sometimes applied with the help of radiation. The advanced materials in your car are often made possible by radioisotopes and radiation techniques, and the rubber on the tires may have been made stronger with the help of radiation. You can sleep safely knowing you have a smoke detector to alert you to potential danger thanks to its built-in radioisotope. For more information from the American Nuclear Society, go to www.ans.org/pi/atom. Hints To Help Your Travel Dollar Go Farther (NAPSA)—The next time your family is thinking about travel, a few suggestions from Stephanie Oswald of Travelgirl magazine can help you go farther and spend less: Expert Advice •Book travel during off-peak season to avoid large crowds in airports and popular attractions. •Embrace technology, using age-appropriate and parentapproved apps, games, movies and books for children during flights. Also, headphones can eliminate noise for sleeping babies and young children. •Pack healthy snacks, such as your own mix of nuts, raisins and pretzels, to save time and money. •Reduce stress by incorporating time into your schedule for random stops and exploring. State parks, famous homes and historic sites are scattered across the country. Kids can feel empowered when choosing an unplanned excursion. •Consider borrowing or renting bulky items at your destination, such as car seats in rental vehicles and strollers from family or friends. •Email important travel documents to yourself to avoid searching for them during your j o u r n e y. U s e y o u r p h o n e o r tablet to easily access travel itineraries and important identification documents. •Kids travel happier when they have their favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket with them. •Join loyalty programs. Even if you only travel once or twice a year, join the frequent-flyer program for any airline you fly. You will not only accrue valuable miles for future trips, you’ll also be able to check in online, a huge timesaver. The same goes for hotel frequent stay clubs and rental car loyalty programs; they are free to join and offer great deals and discounts. For example, Alamo Rent A Car offers members of Alamo Insiders a guaranteed discount of 10 percent or better on every rental. It also recently introduced the Alamo Deal Retriever on Alamo.com, which allows you to compare coupons and deals specific to your travel plans and then select the one that best fits your needs. You also receive the benefits of advance online check-in and selfservice kiosks at 63 U.S. locations. Learn More You can find further advice and sign up for Alamo Insiders at www.alamo.com. (NAPSA)—America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are currently developing 221 innovative new medicines to help with diabetes, according to a new report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). You can see the report at http://phrma.org/ sites/default/files/1869/diabetes 2012.pdf. *** For many women, symptoms of menopause can be tough to get through, especially because they can last many years. The good news is that there is help out there. For more information about menopause and available treatment options, visit www.menopause.org or www.hormone.org. *** Long-acting injectable antipsychotic therapies (LATs), which are administered every few weeks to a month depending on the medication, offer patients a choice of how often to take their medication and may help eliminate one less pill a day for their schizophrenia. Learn more at www.TreatOnceMonthly. com. *** The BioMask is an FDAcleared antiviral medical face mask that actually inactivates 99.99 percent of tested flu viruses within five minutes of contact. You can find further facts on face masks at www.medline.com/ CURAD-BioMask and 877-9409216. Prompt and proper planning can make family trips seem like child’s play. SM (NAPSA)—Peanuts are a natural source of plant-based protein. With seven grams per serving, peanuts contain more protein (NAPSA)—For information on financial exploitation, get a free brochure from the Eldercare Locator, “Protect Your Pocketbook: Tips to Avoid Financial Exploitation.” It includes warning signs of abuse, tips on avoiding exploitation, and resources that can help you. Call (800) 677-1116 or download it at www.eldercare.gov. *** Learning Ally is a national, nonprofit organization that helps individuals who have print disabilities—including dyslexia— achieve educational success, build confidence and develop reading independence. To learn more, visit www.LearningAlly.org. *** At www.wildkingdom.com, Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” viewers can link to a new YouTube channel that features the original shows and new videos. Liking “Wild Kingdom TV” on Facebook and “Wild Kingdom” on Twitter brings fans news, videos, contests and trivia. *** Financial success is not an accident. It begins with a wellconceived plan. According to the experts at Northwestern Mutual, your family can achieve more in 2013 with a disciplined plan of action. Visit www.northwestern mutual.com. than any nut. Protein is important for maintaining muscles, bones and skin. Further peanut facts, tips and recipes are at the National Peanut Board website, http://nationalpeanutboard.org. 16