WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges everyone to be safe this holiday season. A few safety tips will go a long way toward making sure your holiday is safe and fun.

ACEP Logo. (PRNewsFoto/American College of Emergency Physicians) (PRNewsfoto/ACEP)

"Preparation, organization and common sense are the most important ingredients in the recipe for a safe and fun Thanksgiving," said William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. "Do your part to make sure you can spend the holiday with friends and loved ones instead of the emergency department. But, rest assured that an emergency physician will be there for you anytime an emergency occurs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays."

Practice safe cooking techniques. Watch temperature levels, read instructions, make sure ovens are functioning properly. Unsafe handling or undercooking food can lead to illness, such as salmonella. Thaw turkey properly before cooking at a minimum of 325 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discourages thawing turkey by leaving it on the countertop, which can cause bacteria growth. If thawing by leaving the turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours for every five pounds of weight. The US Department of Agriculture says that leftovers are good for three to four days, if refrigerated. Make sure you wash your hands, cook on a clean surface and avoid cross-contamination with raw meats or other food that requires safe handling.

Supervise children in the kitchen. Accidents happen when kids can grab sharp knives or touch hot pots on the stove. Every day 300 children are treated in emergency departments for burn-related injuries, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Burns and scalds remain the number one cause of unintentional injury in children ages 0-5.

Don't leave food cooking unattended, home fires often start in the kitchen. Take your time to avoid slips or falls and reduce the number of safety hazards in crowded areas. Don't leave candles burning if you are not in the room and don't light candles near open windows.

Celebrate responsibly. Enjoy the festivities in moderation. Overeating can cause stomach issues or more serious health problems for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. If alcohol is being served, please do not drink and drive. Thanksgiving is one of the heaviest traffic days of the year. If weather is bad, allow plenty of travel time. Make sure your vehicle has an up-to-date safety kit. And, try to stay calm.

More information about holiday safety is available at http://www.emergencyphysicians.org.

http://www.emergencyphysicians.org @EmergencyDocs

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org .

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SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

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Thanksgiving Do's and Don'ts from Emergency Physicians - Yahoo Finance

In your eagerness to choose a countertop for your kitchen or bath, you have narrowed it down to two materials:quartz (engineered stone)vs. granite (natural stone). This is not an easy decision because the distinction between the two countertop materials isn't apparent. After all, quartz and granite are each loudly touted by their respective manufacturers as being purely natural, straight from the earth, hard as stone. How different can they be?

Granite is a purely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries and is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.

So-called quartz countertops are engineered stone products that may contain a large percentage of natural quartz but may also include other minerals. But these are not slabs of quarried stone at all but are instead formed from stone byproducts that are ground up and formed into slabs for countertops and other products.

The one advantage that granite has over an engineered stone is that every granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color, meaning that your countertop will be unique. Quartz countertops, as an engineered product, are more uniform in appearance, though many colors and unique patterns are available, including forms that do not resemble granite at all.

The choice here is a matter of personal preference. If you truly want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural productgranite. But many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are different and better than natural stone.

No question about it: Both granite and quartz are premia, high-dollar countertop materials. If you are on a budget, these are not the countertop materials for you.

Granite countertops cost $80 to $175 per square foot, installed. The price differences depend on the style chosen, as well as on the type of edging treatments requested. Quartz countertops range from about $80 to $140 per square foot, installed. As quartz has become more popular and more widely available, costs of basic countertops have fallen, with unique designer styles and colors commanding upper-end pricing.

Pricing for both types of countertop varies because both are sourced overseas. All of these products are container-shipped across oceans, and this is dependent on petroleum prices. Tariffs and other factors can also affect pricing.

These are not products that lend themselves to do-it-yourself installation, except for small bathroom vanity countertops. Granite and quartz are very heavy materials, and even a relatively small 36-inch countertop weighs close to 100 pounds. It is best to have a pro fabricate and install your countertop. If you do choose to do it yourself, granite and quartz countertops are installed in the same fashion. If you are spending the money on either costly material, it does not make sense to take risks on DIY installation.

There is a decided advantage here to quartz over granite, though both materials are very durable. Granite is a relatively porous stone that requires sealing upon installation, then period sealing on an ongoing basis. And granite slabs may have inherent flaws that make them prone to cracking. Quartz, on the other hand, does not require sealing, thanks to the resins used in the fabrication of the slabs; and the material is uniform throughout, which means it rarely cracks.

The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining than granite. By some reports, quartz is also less susceptible to harboring bacteria, again thanks to the resins that make the surface less porous.

These are both high-end building materials that will impress prospective buyers. When compared to laminate or ceramic tile countertops, both granite and quartz may slightly improve the real estate value of your home. There may be some buyers who give a slight advantage to granite since it is the more natural material.

Both countertop materials are overwhelmingly made of natural materials, but granite countertops come out slightly ahead since they are made from 100 percent stone, while quartz is roughly 93 percent natural materials, with the remainder comprised of color pigments and polymer resins that bond the materials together. And the production process for natural granite produces fewer carbon emissions than quartz.

On the other hand, granite countertops require quarrying out of the earth, while quartz countertops are effectively made from left-over stone byproducts, with no quarrying required.

For a time, beginning around 2008, there was some media-induced fear regarding radon emissions from granite countertops, but recent studies report that there is little or no radon coming from either granite or engineered stone countertops. In the words of the EPA: "It is extremely unlikely that radiation from granite countertops would increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels."

Both granite and quartz (engineered stone) are premium countertop materials that add real estate value to a home. Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials, while quartz offers easier maintenance and slightly better durability.

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Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: A Comparison

Add a warm, yet natural look and feel to your kitchen with a sturdy wood butcher block.

Butcher Blocks Have Many UsesWood butcher block countertops make great stations for meal prep. You can also use this surface on kitchen islands for dining and entertaining friends and family.

Strong ConstructionOur butcher block countertops are built to last. You get finger-joint design and they come pre-sanded. Our wood countertops resist warping and shrinking because they are kiln-dried. You might find heavy use in the kitchen will leave scratches but wood is easily repairable, and proper maintenance can keep butcher blocks in great shape for the long term.

The Many Looks of WoodWood butcher blocks countertops can take on many looks. Install yours with an unfinished look for a raw, natural feel. Oil it up for fine sheen and more saturated, darker tone. Finish or stain it to make it your own in fun colors.

Environmentally FriendlyWe make sure the wood used for our butcher block countertops are harvested using sustainable methods.

Get Them FastWe can deliver a new solid wood butcher block countertop to you quickly or check to see whats in-stock at your local store.

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Butchers Block Countertops - Countertops - The Home Depot

An easy way to give your kitchen a makeover is to update the countertop, and when it comes to countertops there are tons of options. You can choose wood, tile, granite, quartz, or even a travertine countertop.

There are also a variety of color options available. For a more traditional look pick a black countertop with oak or cherry cabinets. Or if you want to lighten things up a little, go with gray countertops. Gray is a perfect neutral and goes with almost everything.

You can also choose premade countertops to make your DIY project a little easier. These are in stock and ready to ship directly. The prefab countertops come in set sizes, including the fairly standard six and twelve feet. Some of them are wood, while others are prefab laminate countertops.

The kitchen is oftentimes the center of the home, and upgrading it almost always adds value. With so many options in premade countertops and custom countertops, you cant go wrong elevating the look of your home.

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Decorative Countertops | Floor & Decor

Give your kitchen a new look and make meal prep easier with the right countertop material.If youre not ready to go for a full kitchen remodel, new countertops can breathe new life into your kitchen space. Countertops can make a big impact.

Get a Countertop Sample Before You Decide. A material sample will give you a better idea of which direction to go in for your kitchen counters. Youll be able to get a feel for your new countertop and see how it looks in your home. We want you to know exactly what you are getting. Thats why you can order samples online or get them free at your local store.

So Many Types of Kitchen Countertops Materials matter. Some will stain, some wont. If you cook a lot, consider a material that can take heat, sharp knives, wont stain easily. Quartz countertops are one of the world's hardest surfaces. Granite countertops are a natural fit for kitchen use. They also offer appeal and durability. Are you trying to get an elegant, stylish focal piece that wont get much cooking action? Go for sweet cut of marble. Warm up any kitchen dcor with a wood butcher block countertop. You have options.

Get Total Countertop Project Management If a DIY countertop seems like a big challenge, no sweat. Well help you from start to finish. Make an in-store appointment with a kitchen design specialist to kick off your project. Well help you decide on a surface material, style and color that best fits your home and lifestyle. Well measure for a perfect fit, deliver and install, too. If you need countertops right away, check our selection of in-stock countertops including butcher block countertops.

How Much Will It Cost? We want you to know what to expect when it comes to new countertops. Check our countertops cost guide for a general understanding. Or, use our tool to get an custom estimate based on your input.

Whatever material you choose, we'll help make sure your new countertop delivers the most for your budget.

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Kitchen Countertops - The Home Depot

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eBay determines this price through a machine learned model of the product's sale prices within the last 90 days.

eBay determines trending price through a machine learned model of the products sale prices within the last 90 days. "New" refers to a brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item, and "Used" refers to an item that has been used previously.

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From granite to quartz to solid surface, the right countertop completes the look of a well-designed kitchen or bathroom. There are more options than ever before, each with its own unique benefits.

Laminate has long been known as a more budget-friendly option when thinking about countertops. But these days, almost any look can be achieved with laminate. Laminate countertops can take on the look of granite, marble, even wood, while maintaining the benefits of laminate. Low-maintenance never looked so luxurious!

Quartz countertops offer unparalleled durability. New technology in quartz now provides even more value-added features in this classic material, including stain resistant, acid resistant, impact and scratch resistant features. Pair this with a wide range of colors and textures, and quartz makes an excellent choice with lasting benefits.

One of the most popular choices in countertops, granite adds a distinct look to any space. It is also naturally durable, with resistance to moisture, heat, and abrasion. Granite countertops add value to any property, and are available in a variety of color patterns to fit perfectly with your home.

Solid surface countertops provide an affordable alternative to traditional countertop materials like granite and quartz. And, they offer a versatility unlike any other material, with hundreds of color and texture options to choose from. Obtain a beautiful, seamless look with solid surface countertops and backsplashes.

To learn more about the unique countertop options available to you, or for assistance with selecting products for your home or business, contact us, or stop in to one of DeGraaf Interiors locations in Hudsonville, Cascade, or Grand Rapids, Michigan. You can also view our solid surface countertop and laminate countertop photo galleries for ideas and inspiration.

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Countertops | Laminate, Quartz, Granite, Solid Surface ...

Frequently asked questions about natural stone countertops

What is granite?

Granite is a common widely occurring type of rock, which is granular and crystalline in texture. Granite consists mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar. Granites can range in color from black to pink. By definition, granite is an igneous rock with at least 20% quartz by volume. Granite is always hard, tough and flexible, making it useful in a wide range of construction applications.

What is marble?

Marble is a common widely occurring type of metamorphic rock, primarily consisting of calcite and dolomite. Marble is formed by the metamorphism of limestone. Marble is typically white to gray in color. Marble often has irregular colored marks due to the presence of impurities such as clay. Marble has been used for centuries in sculptures and construction applications.

What is the difference between granite and marble?

1. Durability Marble countertops are softer than granite countertops so they stain and scratch easier than granite countertops. Granite countertops contain quartz, so it is hard to stain or scratch and can withstand high heats that will dull marble countertops. With that said, Italians have used marble for years. The more stained, scratched, and dulled the surface, the more desirable to them!2. The look Marble countertops and granite countertops can look very different. Granite countertops are typically granular in nature and are considered busy. Marble countertops have a flow to them, not as many breaks or busyness.3. Maintenance Marble countertops need your utmost attention and care. Acids, metals, and heat are all enemies of marble. Granite countertops are stronger and need less sealing and care.

Where in the world do natural stone slabs come from?

The answer is everywhere, from Texas to Australia. The top exporters of natural stone slabs used for countertops are Brazil and Italy. Both countries buy quarried blocks from around the globe and then fabricate the blocks into slabs to be used for your countertop!How long will natural stone countertops last?Your granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, or limestone countertops are already thousands of years old. As long as you desire your countertops they will last.Will natural stone countertops increase the value of my home?Yes! Natural stone countertops are the most desired solid surface material in the market place. Most people love natural stone countertops and most realtors will tell you that not only is it easier to sell your home if you have natural stone countertops, but they increase the value of your home!How do I best maintain my natural stone countertops?The old rule of thumb is to never use anything you wouldnt use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even soft scrub type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone or simply warm soapy water.

How much do natural stone countertops cost?

Natural stone countertops vary in price due to desirability, availability, and transportation costs. The price now varies from $30/psf to $300/psf.

How long will it take me to get my new countertops?

Once we have measured your countertops and have all the information we need such as edging, color, thickness, sinks, ect. We can install your countertops 7 days from when all complete information has been collected.

Where else can I use natural stone slabs in my home?

Whatever you can imagine, we can help you achieve. Some people use natural stone slabs for wall art, fireplace surrounds, tub decks, floors, windowsills, backsplashes, and the uses go on and on.

Have more questions?

Please contact one of our experienced sales consultants:

Phone214-221-0365

EmailTiara@texascounterfitters.com

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DFW Countertops|Dallas Countertops|Granite|Marble|Quartz ...

Laminate CountersLaminate surfaces are inexpensive, available in a range of options, and easy to maintain. The downside is that they are not heat tolerant, and edges and seams are generally visible. They also scratch and chip easily, which is not easily repaired.Solid Surface CountersWith no visible seams, lots of patterns and colors available and a renewable quality that allows cuts and scratches to be blended out, solid surfaces (which are basically a plastic) have several advantages. The downsides are that theyre not heat resistant, are pricier and require professional installation.Granite Countertops, Marble Countertops and Other Natural StonesGranite, slate, soapstone, quartz, marble, limestone and gemstone all fall under this category. Long-lasting natural stone has an organic beauty and is more heat tolerant than other surfaces. It also expensive, and its porous quality requires sealing maintenance to prevent stains.Engineered Stone CountertopsEngineered stone mimics natural stone, yet combines the properties of real stone with other ingredients to eradicate its porosity and maintenance requirements. This option, however, can be expensive depending on color choice.Wood and Butcher Block CountertopsGreat for a cutting surface, wood and butcher block options give the kitchen a warmer aesthetic than stone. Wood surfaces are susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed, and can dent and scratch easily.Metal CountersMetal surfaces, including stainless steel, copper or pewter, are heat tolerant, non-porous and sanitary. Like wood, though, they also can scratch and dent easily.Concrete CountertopsSurfaces created from concrete or cement have the ability to incorporate inlaid decorative details or useful implements like trivets. However, theyre prone to hairline cracks and are extremely heavy.Composite/Recycled CountersEco-friendly and similar to natural stone, recycled products are warmer to the touch than other options. Because theyre naturally made, they may fade over time.Lavastone CountersThis unique application of volcanic lava hardened into a stone-like consistency is heat, scratch and stain resistant and nonporous. However, because its uncommon, its expensive and hard to come by.Tile CountersTile surfaces come in an endless variety of styles and colors, are heat tolerant and durable, and can be very affordable depending on the chosen tile. Due to grout lines, theyre not very easy to clean.Glass CountersThis hygienic, non-porous surface is simple to maintain, heat tolerant, stain resistant and available in many styles, colors and textures. They can be expensive, show fingerprints and water spots, and can crack easily.

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Kitchen Countertops | Houzz

Exceeding Expectations with Every Job!

We at Starwood Distributors take immense pride in exceeding the standards of our industry with our second to none customer service and high quality products! Our expert sales and design team stay ahead of all the latest trends and styles when it comes to all the products that we sell. We are happy to share our vast knowledge of products with our customers, and we take the time to answer any and all questions. Our experts can help you find the best product with amazing possibilities!

At Starwood, we carry a complete selection of interior shutters, blinds, shades, floor coverings and exterior windows that are well within your budget. Whether you are considering a traditional look or an elegant appeal, you will find it at Starwood! We carry the finest name brands, and as an added bonus, we bring our showroom DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR. We take the time to get to know you and your needs. Our knowledgeable design team will help you with paint colors and dcor choices. Once your project has concluded, we follow up to ensure that the work performed emulates our reputation. Our companys extraordinary work ethic, professional installation skills and unbeatable customer satisfaction is what has continued to make our business successful.

We are DFWs Leading Expert in Window & Floor Coverings. We offer the highest quality services at competitive prices. This is in large part due to the Starwood Distributors team of experts. We have a team that is second to none! Our highly trained installers are friendly, on-time and courteous. Our skilled craftsmen at work are something to watch. You can trust them to get it right, no matter the product or location. They are trained by working as apprentices with senior installers before they head out on their own. Our experts know windows wholly. They know the little imperfections that lead to problems and have the techniques to solve them. Our administration employees who handle logistics and individual customer job detail are very efficient and handle their work with a lot of ease. We strongly believe that every good job is truly a team effort. Our team cooperates, so that they deliver the most to our customers. Our team also focuses on the vision of the business which is to provide the highest quality window coverings, floor coverings, exterior windows and specialist design.

Most people have heard the old saying, you get what you pay for. Well, if you have had a bad buying experience from one of those slick ads offering to good to be true prices, then you know how true that saying really is. At Starwood Distributors, we have heard some crazy stories over the years and we feel your pain. We strive to give our customers the best buying experience from the first appointment to the final installation. At Starwood, we work hard to find top quality products, installed by real professionals, and sold at honest prices. Let us save you some time, money and a lot of frustration. No gimmicks. Just real value!

We proudly serve the Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston,and surrounding areas. We guarantee the lowest possible price, and will beat any competitors bid. Its as simple as providing us your invoice from the other company on their company letterhead. If you would like an estimate, please call us today for a Free In-Home Consultation or complete our online request form.

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StarWood Distributors Quality Windows and Flooring for ...