Types

Understanding the Different Skin Cancer Types and How to Prevent Them

Cancer is a word that many of us fear. Hearing that you or a loved one have developed skin cancer can make your mind jump to conclusions out of shock and worry.

But just what types of skin cancers are dangerous, and how can you prevent yourself from getting skin cancer?

There are a few skin cancer types that vary in severity and can be prevented with different treatments. 

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is what happens when the cells that make up your skin begin to mutate into cancer cells that divide out of control. It is the most common type of cancer that occurs in the United States to this day. 

While skin cancer usually occurs on skin that is exposed to sunlight, it can also form in the lower layers of skin and be harder to detect. 

Skin Cancer Types and Treatment Options

While there are many different types of skin cancer, there are four common types that will be discussed. Here are the signs, symptoms, and treatments for each type of common skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is among the most common and least worrisome type of skin cancer. It often develops on areas of the skin that are the most exposed to sunlight, including the scalp, face, and neck area.

It shows itself as a mildly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms as well. Some signs of this type of cancer can include:

• Pearly white bumps on the skin, or a bump of skin with a translucent outside; these often have visible blood vessels underneath and has a tendency to rupture or bleed
• Brown, black, or blue lesions with a raised, translucent border
• Scaly reddish patches on the back or chest
• Waxy white lesions without a visible border

While basal cell carcinoma is usually not dangerous, you should contact a doctor if you notice any sudden changes to an existing bump, or if a bump that was previously removed has resurfaced. 

If you should discover a bump on your skin, don’t worry—basal cell carcinoma can usually be removed with a simple skin biopsy, or removing the small piece of cancerous skin. Cases of basal cell carcinoma spreading or developing into other types of cancer are rare, but you should still talk with your doctor about it to be safe.

Dr. Johnny Gurgen specializes in the removal of skin cancers and can help you to make sure your skin is healthy again. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is a far more serious type of skin cancer that can develop anywhere on the body, though it primarily appears in areas of skin that are exposed to sunlight. The most at-risk individuals for developing melanoma are women under 40 years old, though anyone is capable of getting it. 

Melanomas often begin as changes to existing moles, such as growths or darkened skin. However, they can also appear suddenly on otherwise normal skin.

There are steps you can take to find out if your mole is normal and healthy. Check to see if it:

1. Has an irregular border or shape
2. Has changed in color noticeably
3. Has grown larger than 6 millimeters in diameter
4. Has changed in either look, size, or sensation, such as if it has grown itchy or painful over time

If any of the above circumstances are true, then you should go to get it checked by a doctor, as it may be a melanoma. It’s crucial to catch this type early so that it doesn’t go unchecked.

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is a broad term used to describe any cancer that isn’t melanoma. This encompasses any rarer type of skin cancer, and as such has a variety of treatment options depending on the type of cancer involved.

These types of cancers will often need to be removed through surgery; if you’ve noticed any odd changes to your skin that you can’t account for, talk with your doctor about nonmelanoma skin cancer today.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

While not life-threatening, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin can be a particularly aggressive form of cancer that can cause serious damage if left untreated. This is because it tends to form in deeper layers of the skin. 

This type of cancer is also prone to spreading along the skin and through other parts of the body as well. If you notice any new, painful red sores on your skin or inside of your mouth that doesn’t go away on its own, you should talk with your doctor immediately.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Fortunately, there are many different ways that you can protect yourself from getting skin cancer. Certain lifestyle changes and protective measures can help to keep you safe from skin cancer, such as:

• Keeping away from direct sunlight, tanning beds, and other forms of UV light
• Wearing sunscreen year-round while outside
• Wearing protective clothing to prevent sun damage
• Examining your skin frequently for changes or variations in moles or bumps

By keeping these tips in mind and checking yourself regularly, you can help protect yourself from developing skin cancer. 

Keep Your Skin Healthy

Now that you know the different skin cancer types and how to prevent them, you’re ready to start living your new healthy life with proper precautions in place. Keep yourself healthy, happy, and cancer-free, and remember to check your skin frequently for any potential changes. 

What have you learned about skin cancer? Have you had experiences with any of the above skin cancers that you’d like to share?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Be sure to leave a comment with your story down below, and any tips you have for protecting yourself against skin cancer.

Have you ever wondered exactly why you remember all the mean things people have said to you more than the beautiful things they’ve said to you? That’s because your brain is hard-wired to remember negative experiences in life. And this sets you up for a negative mindset to gain a stronghold in your thoughts and actions. It can affect your friendships, your work, and your decisions. If you struggle with being overly negative, it’s crucial to find ways to let it go, especially of the more destructive types of negativity.

Here are the ten types of negativity you need to get rid of right now

Release the burden of these negative thoughts–you’ll be all the happier for it in the long run!

1. Blameshifting

Blameshifting is blaming others or situations for your own failure.  Studies say blameshifting is a tool people use to push away criticism. But the same study found that blameshifting usually backfires because people don’t like blame shifters. Think here of politicians who make sweeping campaign promises, then blame others when the commitments aren’t met, even though it’s their fault. Blaming your spouse, kids, or your upbringing is a form of negativity that weighs you down and distorts your view of life.

How to let go:

The next time you’re tempted to blame someone or something, stop and make a decision not to blameshift. Allow yourself to accept the situation and admit your own fault when needed. Find peace in letting go of this negative attitude.

2. Being a perfectionist

If you are a perfectionist, then you want to do things in an utterly perfect way. You set high standards for yourself and others. No one is perfect, and to set your goals on perfectionism is unrealistic. It’s a negative view of yourself because you’re afraid you won’t be accepted by others if you don’t look and act correctly.

How to let go:

Perfectionism is a deep-set negative view of yourself. Here are some simple new habits you can try to begin breaking free from perfectionism.

• Admit your weakness to others
• Don’t compete with other people, decide not to compete
• Accept yourself
• Practice gratitude for who you are
• Pray when you’re tempted to be critical of yourself or others
• Use mindfulness to relax and find peace

3. Self-defeating thoughts

Negative, self-defeating thoughts are those negative thoughts you believe about yourself. These thoughts chip away at your confidence. They bombard your mind with statements like

• I can’t do it, why bother trying?
• I always mess things up. I’ll mess this up too.
• I’m not good enough.
• I’m a hopeless mess.
• I’ll probably fail as I’ve done before.

When you have self-defeating thoughts, you become your own worst enemy. If you had a friend that uttered these things to you, you would question the friendship. So, don’t talk to yourself with these negative thoughts.

How to let it go:

Please pay attention to your thoughts when they cross your mind. Review what caused you to think like this, then make a choice to let go of them. Here are some additional items you can try to help reverse your self-defeating thoughts.

• Ask yourself why you’re thinking this way.
• Change your negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of “I can’t do it, why bother” say, “I can always try.”
• Talk to yourself, don’t listen to yourself. Tell yourself what’s real instead of listening to lies.

4. Judging others

Judging others is a form of negativity because it’s an effort to feel better about yourself at the expense of others. Being critical of others, seeing their faults, and assuming you’d never be like that shows your own insecurities. It would help if you felt better than others because of your uncertainties. Judging shifts the focus off of your faults so you can find fault in others. This negativity destroys your relationships. It kills your self-esteem and your ability to see yourself correctly.

How to let go:

• Refuse to judge others. Assume you don’t know people’s story so you shouldn’t come to a conclusion.
• Choose to understand the other person’s situation.
• Be accepting of others. No one is perfect, so don’t judge people by those criteria.
• Choose to love others and love yourself.

5. Fear of failing

No one wants to fail, but if you have a fear of failure, it paralyzes you. Fear of failure keeps you in from reaching out at work, in relationships, and in every part of your life. Fear of failure blinds you to your true potential. This negative mindset holds you back from really living.

How to let go:

• It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so set small, reachable goals for yourself. Accomplishing small goals leads to achieving bigger goals.
• Make a list of your failure fears. Figure out what will happen if you fail. You may be surprised to see that failure isn’t the worst thing.
• Others have failed big time only to bounce back and succeed. Tell yourself you can bounce back. You can overcome any failures.
• Don’t believe everything you think. Just because you think it, doesn’t make it real. Your fear of failure is a lie you are telling yourself. Please do not believe it.

6. Low expectations in life

Another common type of negativity that can hold you back has low expectations. You assume the worst about yourself and your life. You feel like your life is worse than everybody else’s life. Low expectations are related to fear of failure because you feel like you will never succeed. This thinking may be related to your poor choices, but not always. It’s a mindset that develops over time as you allow negative thoughts to fill your mind. You begin to believe the lies.

How to let it go:

View your life as a journey. Choose to be healthy, happy, and empowered along the route. Try some practical things to help improve your perspective.

• Mindfulness breaks to bring calm and peace into your life.
• Exercise releases endorphins, so you feel better physically and mentally.
• Gratitude journaling can help you be grateful for what you have.
• Find a community of like-minded people to can share life.

7. Worrying

Worry is when you feel uneasy or concerned about something. Your brain goes into overdrive, thinking about all the bad things that could happen. Worry eats away at you. It distorts what’s real and creates anxiety and fear. It’s a negative mindset that causes stress, which makes you prone to physical problems such as ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

How to let it go:

Here are a few ways to stop worrying.

• Try to live more in the present instead of the future “what ifs.”
• When you start to feel that worry, stop yourself and let it go.
• Avoid things that trigger your stress like news or social media.
• Keep a journal of your worries. When they’re on paper, they don’t look so bad.

8. Helplessness

Helplessness is a feeling that everything is overwhelming. You underestimate your ability to rise up and face challenges, to do hard things. You avoid difficulties, and anything hard you ask for help. This low confidence makes you clingy and insecure. You look to alcohol or overeating to calm yourself. Helplessness is negative thinking about you.

How to let go:

Letting go of helplessness means taking a small step outside your fears. Choose to stop being helpless. When you have a challenge, see it as an opportunity to succeed. Other ways to overcome helplessness include

• Set small goals
• Keep a gratitude journal.
• Find a community
• Push your helpless thoughts away and replace them with positive thoughts about yourself.

9. Trying to control

Controlling people try to control their spouses, kids, friends, and sometimes even strangers. This type of negativity is based on anxiety and fear of losing control. You may feel if you don’t try to control things, something terrible could happen. It’s a skewed view of your own abilities.

Common controlling techniques include

• Being critical of others
• Wanting to prevent bad things from happening to others or yourself
• Finding fault in others
• Keeping a record of wrongs people have done to you
• Manipulating others out of fear of losing control

How to let go:

If you find yourself drifting into a controlling attitude, stop yourself. Tell yourself it’s okay not to control everything. Refuse to control others. Accept others as they are.

10. Jealousy

Jealousy is a feeling of insecurity that leads you to crave what others have. You may wish you had their looks or wealth or career or children or spouse. Jealousy leads to anger, resentment, and disgust. It’s a deep hole that you fall into when you nurture negative feelings about yourself and others.

How to let it go:

Refuse to fall into the jealousy trap. Find contentment in your own life. Cultivate gratefulness. Don’t compare yourself to others, instead appreciate the differences.

Final thoughts on releasing all forms of negativity from your life

Negativity comes in all forms of behavior and attitudes. It disguises itself in worry and fear of failure. It obscures your view of who you are and makes you focus on what’s not right in your life instead of what’s good.  If you find negativity holding you back from living your life, stop it in its tracks. Refuse to give in thoughts of jealousy, control, or worry. Do the hard work it takes to step away from being a negative person into a life of positivity.

There are many types of toxic relationships, and many people don’t realize they are involved in one. Poisonous relationships can drag you down and place a massive burden on your life. This is why strong women won’t accept toxicity.

A good sign of a toxic relationship is that it makes you sad, angry, depressed, or disappointment more often than not. If your relationship isn’t making you feel fulfilled or happy, it could be an indicator that something is wrong.

A toxic relationship is any relationship that takes away from your well-being. Sometimes it is difficult to assess if you are in a toxic relationship. This is because there are good times which can convince you that the toxicity isn’t as bad as you think.

Fourteen Signs You Are in One of The 7 Types of Toxic Relationships

Allowing yourself to believe that the toxic times aren’t that bad can harm you more than you know. Studies show that unhealthy relationships can cause the following issues:

1. Increased stress
2. Compromised immune system
3. Decreased endocrine function
4. Depression and anxiety
5. A decrease in physical health
6. Lacking health habits
7. Increased heart rate
8. High blood pressure
9. Overeating or undereating
10. Increased alcohol consumption
11. Smoking
12. Lack of self-control
13. Poor mental health
14. Decreased self-esteem and sense of self-worth

How to Identify if Someone Special in Your Life is Toxic

If you are in a toxic relationship, someone probably came to mind while you were reading the types of toxic relationships. Some of the signs that you are being affected by toxicity include the following:

• Always helping them fix their problems
• Covering things up or hiding things for them
• You feel anxious when you think about seeing them
• Their presence makes you feel emotionally exhausted and drained
• You become angry or depressed when they are around
• The feeling that you have to impress them
• Their drama and problems being affecting you
• You dislike the person you are when they are around
• They seem to not care about your needs
• You can’t tell them ‘no’ without them changing your mind

Strong Women Will Never Accept These Types of Toxic Relationships

Here are seven types of romantic entanglements that a strong woman will always walk away from.

1. The Controlling Relationship

In this type of relationship, the other person will want to control everything about your life. From the places you go to the people you see, they will have a strong opinion about it. Over time, they will even want to control what you say, do, and think.

They will get angry or upset when you disagree with them, and they will continually try to change your opinion. You won’t have any personal space if you have a relationship with them. Plus, your significant other will pick at the things you do or say until you are just like them.

Strong women don’t allow this to happen. At the first sign of a controlling person, they know they need to leave the relationship. Unless you like always being told what you can do and say, this is not an ideal relationship.

Sticking around a controlling relationship can cause you to miss out on opportunities. It will hinder your development and prevent you from bettering yourself.

2. Manipulative Relationships

In a manipulative relationship, the other person will try to confuse your perception of reality. Even when you have evidence of something, they will try to tell you that you are wrong. They are often so adamant about it and never waver, and you may end up believing them.

These people do this so that they can get away with behavior that you wouldn’t usually put up with. This is one of the reasons strong women avoid these types of toxic relationships at all costs.

Manipulative people only think of themselves, and they will do and say anything to benefit themselves. These people do not care (not even one bit) who they hurt along the way or who is affected by their behavior and lies.

3. The Narcissistic Relationships

If you are talking to someone and they continually interrupt you, they may be a narcissist. They frequently talk about themselves and will hardly let you speak at all. These types of people won’t ask questions and won’t give you a chance to respond to anything they say.

So, avoid this type of relationship at all costs. Narcissists are self-centered and will be unable to pay attention to your needs or desires.

4. Drama-filled Relationships

Toxic people are often drawn to drama. There is always something to complain or cry about, and nothing ever seems to get resolved. Even if one problem is resolved, another one will quickly occur.

They will want you to be sympathetic and be there for them as they continuously complain. Unfortunately, this person won’t want advice, and they probably won’t listen to what you say, anyway. You may feel like they don’t want to fix the problems so that they can keep complaining about them.

People who are addicted to drama in this way will always play the victim. They will be in their most comfortable environment when the drama is occurring. This outcome could be because it makes them feel important or simply because they want attention.

5. Jealous or Judgmental Relationships

Being in a relationship with a jealous individual is toxic because they’ll never be happy for you. When they become jealous, they also become judgmental and often criticize you or gossip about it.

You will know that someone is jealous and judgmental because they will always have something negative to say. They will find something wrong with everyone they meet and behave as if they are superior. Strong women don’t put up with this because they know that they will be gossiped about and criticized, too.

6. Relationships That Are One-Sided

Both people should be making an effort in the relationship. When you feel like you are continually reaching out or trying to make a connection, it’s a sign that the relationship is one-sided. This will leave you feeling emotionally spent, and it could affect your self-esteem.

7. Relationships Based on Lies

If you start noticing inconsistencies early on, you might wonder if the entire relationship is built on lies. You may not even know the truth about the most fundamental aspects of their life.

One sign you can watch for is if they lie to those around them about small things. If they do, they may be lying to you about things that don’t truly matter. Fibbing about little things usually always leads to lying about big things, so you definitely can’t trust them.

Staying in a relationship like this will be detrimental to your well-being and cause you to lose confidence. You will find yourself questioning everything the other person says. Before you know it, you will be obsessively trying to find out the truth or find other things they may be hiding.

Instead of putting yourself through heartache and trouble, confusion, and pain, try to avoid this relationship. There are many honest people you could spend your time with, instead of wasting it on toxicity.

 How to Handle Toxicity

It’s not always possible to walk away from a toxic person right away. When this is the case, it’s essential to handle the situation appropriately.

You shouldn’t let them control you, and you shouldn’t give in to their unhealthy ways. Instead, you should accept that the position is a difficult one and do what you can to make it easier. This situation doesn’t mean you allow them to behave however they want, but try not to snap back and make it worse.

One way to handle it is to tell them the truth. Tell them how they are making you feel and that it makes you not want to be around them. If you didn’t invite them somewhere and they ask why, be honest about the reason.

You can also set boundaries. Tell them that you don’t appreciate the way they speak to you and that you won’t allow it anymore.

Another vital way to handle a toxic relationship is not to do everything they say. If you make it clear you make your decisions, they may eventually stop telling you what to do so often.

Finally, if none of those ideas work, it may be time to end the relationship. This may seem impossible, but you are strong and can get through it, just as other strong women do.

How to Leave a Toxic Relationship Safely

It’s not always easy to end a toxic relationship, or no one would be in them. Since it can be challenging to end it, these tips might be able to help you.

• Plan ahead
• Determine any obstacles and work on removing them
• Remind yourself that it is for the best for everyone involved
• Improve on your talents and secure financial independence if needed
• Ignore those who encourage you to stay
• Write in a journal regularly so that you can look back on it if you begin to change your mind about leaving
• Build up your support system
• Stop telling him about your life events
• Spend your extra time hanging out with close friends
• Stop giving so much time and energy

Final Thoughts on Strong Women Will Never Accept These 7 Types of Toxic Relationships

There are certain types of toxic relationships strong women will never accept, and for good reasons. These poisonous relationships will significantly affect your well-being and are detrimental to all aspects of your life.

One of the reasons strong women are so strong is because they stand up for themselves. They make sure that anyone in their life is making them happy, or they walk away. This helps them become more successful and have a higher quality of life, and you can have that, too.

You deserve happiness, and that requires removing all toxicity from your life and especially your close relationships. It may be extremely challenging, but you will be better off and happier once you do. Don’t settle for any of these types of toxic relationships.

7 Types of Hair Removal Explained

55 percent of men admit to having felt embarrassed by their body hair. And this feeling of embarrassment doesn’t just affect their self-image. 

One-third of the surveyed men say they’ve avoided swimming because of their body hair while one-fourth have avoided going to the gym. And the effects don’t stop there. One-fifth say that their body hair has negatively impacted their sex life. 

Don’t let your body hair keep you from loving your body or enjoying life. Keep reading to discover the different types of hair removal methods. 

1. Shaving

If you’ve never attempted hair removal before, shaving may be the best option for you. 

Shaving involves using a razor to remove hair from the surface of your skin. If you’re a man, you’ve likely shaved your facial hair before. The method is the same for shaving away other hair on your body. 

Always use shaving cream and a post-shave lotion to reduce irritation. Keep in mind, that both irritation and in-grown hairs are common with shaving, especially in sensitive areas like pubic hair. 

2. Waxing 

Another one of the more popular forms of hair removal is waxing. This is the process of applying a sticky substance to the hair. When the sticky substance is removed quickly, it takes the body hair and its root with it. 

There are two main waxing methods, hard wax, and strip wax.

A hard wax is traditionally done in a salon. This is a peelable wax that’s applied thickly onto your skin. This method is used for sensitive areas, such as the face, underarms, and pubic area. 

A strip wax is a waxing method that can be done from home. These kits have a strip that contains wax substance ready to be put onto your skin and peeled away. 

Waxing generally lasts three to five weeks depending on the method used and the body area. 

3. Sugaring

While many people consider waxing and sugaring to be the same thing, there are significant differences between these hair removal methods. 

A sugar wax is a wax alternative made with pure cane sugar, lemon juice, and sea salt. The all-natural ingredients are safe enough to eat, ensuring that you’re not putting any harmful chemicals on your body. 

You can use a kit safely at home, providing results for up to eight weeks. Start by applying a thin layer of sugar wax onto your skin then firmly apply an epilating strip. Quickly remove the strip and then wash away any remaining wax from the skin. 

4. Threading

Threading is a hair removal method that’s grown in popularity in recent years. It is most commonly used for eyebrows or facial hair, but the concept can be applied to any area of body hair. 

Threading involves a professional wrapping a cotton thread around a single strand of hair. The string is then tugged, removing the hair and its follicle. The method is considered virtually painless, though it can be a lengthy process.

This method lasts for two to six weeks. Many people with sensitive skin opt for threading because it doesn’t involve putting anything on your skin except for a sanitary cotton string. 

5. Depilatory Creams 

Have you heard the term depilation and are wondering what is depilation? In simple terms, depilation is the removal of hair above the surface of the skin. This is commonly linked to shaving or trimming. 

But, there are also depilatory creams that provide the same results. These creams are applied over the portion of the body you want to remove hair from. The formula in the cream then dissolves any hair it comes in contact with. 

While this method is essentially painless, you may feel a slight tingling sensation while it’s applied to the skin. If the tingling turns to burning or irritation, wash the formula off immediately. Some people find that their skin is sensitive to these creams.  

Since this method only removes the hair on top of the skin’s surface, it lasts around the same time as shaving. 

6. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is currently the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA.

This method involves a professional passing an electrical current through your hair follicles via a small needle. This current damages the follicle and prevents any future hair growth. This method is only available by visiting a board-certified dermatologist or electrologist. 

Electrolysis requires follow-ups every week for several weeks. Experts recommend anywhere between fifteen and thirty procedures for permanent hair removal. 

7. Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the more long-term hair removal options available. 

With this method, a laser is used to emit light on certain areas of your body. The light transfers to heat energy, which then damages the hair follicles within your skin. Once damaged, any existing hair falls off and any further growth is prevented. 

To get the desired results, you’ll generally need between six to twelve sessions. While the results can be permanent, many people follow up with one to two sessions a year. 

Try these Different Types of Hair Removal Methods 

As you now know, there are many different types of hair removal methods. 

Get ready for spring and try several of these methods yourself. Don’t get frustrated if the first few methods you try aren’t working as desired — everyone’s body reacts differently to hair removal methods. It may take some trial and error, but one of these methods is bound to provide the results you’re looking for. 

Now that you’re rid of body hair, you can focus on the rest of your look. Check out more of our site to learn how to best dress your body.

3 Different Types of Business Loans Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

Were you aware that there are several types of business loans?

A loan can be a powerful tool for any business that wants to get ahead. A loan is when you borrow something (money, in most cases) and return it over time. Many people take out loans daily, whether it’s for school or personal use, and businesses can also take out loans.

Understanding your business loan options will help you figure out which one to go for because each type of loan typically has a purpose. For example, student loans are designed for school. The same concept applies to certain business loans.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about business loans.

SBA Loan

An SBA loan is a loan that comes from the Small Business Administration. SBA loans are great for both startup businesses and preexisting businesses looking to purchase major assets. There are several different SBA loan types, such as microloans, SBA 7(a) and CDC/504 loans. 

What makes getting an SBA loan beneficial to the business is the ability to get low-interest rates and long repayment terms. When you’re approved, you can expect to repay the loan over several years. Depending on how much you borrow, you could end up paying over a couple of decades.

Term Loan

A term loan is one of the most common small business loan types because it can be used for anything. You don’t need to provide the lender with collateral, and you can borrow up to $500k. The only downside to getting a term loan is that their repayment period is typically between 5 years.

Typical business term loans can also come with high-interest rates depending on how much you’re borrowing and who it’s from. However, they’re much easier to get than most loans because you could get approved within a few days. Providing that you have good credit, you won’t need to offer collateral.

Line of Credit

Most people are familiar with lines of credit because they use credit cards. A business line of credit is essentially a credit card for businesses that can be acquired with low credit ratings. With business credit, you can continuously borrow money providing that you pay back your debt.

For example, you can borrow $5000, pay that, then borrow $5000 again. This revolving debt allows anyone to kickstart their business. The repayment terms are much shorter than most business loans, usually maxing out at 1 year, but the terms will vary depending on your revenue and credit.

Decide Which Types of Business Loans Would Benefit You

A business can benefit from a loan in a variety of ways, but you must examine the various types of business loans and determine which one you should get. Depending on your revenue and how much you need to borrow, there will be a loan that’s better than the rest.

Anyone that’s looking to borrow several hundred thousand should go for an SBA loan whereas anyone that wants to buy small things for the business can get a line of credit. If you want to borrow money for a variety of things, you could benefit from getting a term loan.

Browse our articles to learn more about business-related topics.

What Is Metal Fabrication and What Are the Common Types of Processes?

It’s not often that you stop and think: what is metal fabrication? All the metal in your life is probably already shaped and perfected for everyday use.

So how does it come into existence anyway? In this article, we’ll tell you what metal fabrication is and the common types of processes.

What Is Metal Fabrication?

As you know, metals are naturally found on this planet. You may have some basic knowledge of how we mine and gather the raw materials, but the process of turning them into something like a chair or light fixture is a complete mystery to you.

Well, there are several steps along the way, one of which is metal fabrication.

When the raw metals have been mined, they’re sent to a company to be made into premade shapes so other companies can assemble them into a complete product. Usually, they’re sent to a contract manufacturing business that can offer turnkey services to their customers.

The Common Types of Processes

There are several ways manufacturers turn raw metal into the shapes and sizes that their customers want. Below are some of the common types of processes used.

Casting

This is one of the oldest processes used in metal fabricating. In this type, you pour molten metal into a mold, and once it cooled off, it’d have the shape of it. As you’d expect, this method is commonly used, as the possibilities are endless when it comes to getting specific shapes.

Casting is a cost-effective way of metal fabrication since the metal’s shaped in one step. With other types of fabrication, it may take several steps before the final shape is achieved.

Cutting

Cutting is the most commonly used type of metal fabrication. There are 2 types of cutting: raw and premade.

With raw cutting, the manufacturer is responsible for cutting down sheets of metal that haven’t been shaped yet. With premade, they may receive preformed shapes that need to be cut down to size.

With the advances in technology, the process of cutting can be done now with lasers and plasma torches.

Welding

Welding may be tied with cutting for the most popular metal fabrication process. You may be familiar with it, or at least have heard of it since it’s widely used.

In this method, two pieces of metal are joined together, usually through an application of heat at the point of connection. The two pieces can be anything or any shape, so long as they’re metal. Most metalworkers use this process when working on their projects.

Folding

Folding is probably the most complicated process in this whole list. Sometimes, pieces of metal are joined at a 90-degree angle, but they have a sharp edge. The process of folding aims to get a 90-degree angle bend in metal, but with a blunter edge.

This process can produce objects that are easier to work with, but unfortunately, folding needs to be done with high-tech equipment. Because of this, folding isn’t often done and instead, other processes are used.

Machining

All the other processes of metal fabrication in this list have been about joining together metal. However, the rest of the items on this list are about taking away metal.

Machining is a general term for removing pieces from metal. This can be as simple as trimming the edges so the metal is the right shape or size for the customer, or it can be drilling holes through the sheet.

Manufacturers usually perform machining by using a lathe. This machine rotates the metal so workers don’t have to manually manipulate the pieces themselves.

Punching

Punching is specifically putting holes into a piece of metal. This is done by putting the sheet onto a die, which is a unique tool that both cuts and shapes metal. There are 2 reasons for using punching, the first of which is to make holes where other parts can latch onto.

The second reason is called blanking. Blanking is done when a smaller part is needed from a large sheet of metal. Therefore, that part is cut out of the piece and used for another purpose.

Shearing

If you were to think of the opposite of welding, then it’d be shearing. Shearing is the process of making a clean cut down a sheet of metal. A common way shearing is done is by feeding the piece through a metal-cutting machine; this is done similarly to how timber is cut (horizontally).

To cut vertically, the opposite is done; the metal stays still while a cutting tool passes over it. The third method of shearing is the “paper cutter” method. The sheet of metal is placed on the cutting tool with the edge hanging over. The blade is then lowered to cut the sheet into two.

Stamping

Like with punching, stamping utilizes a die. However, punching creates a hole, while stamping doesn’t. Instead, this process creates raised parts in the metal.

Stamping is incredibly useful for putting patterns, letters, and other images on metal. As you would with an ink stamp, you’d using metal stamping to replicate designs across multiple sheets of metal. This is a very quick and cheap way to fulfill large orders.

Now You Know

Now you know the answer to the question: what is metal fabrication? The next time you’re out with friends and family, surprise them with this bit of trivia. They’ll be completely shocked that you know so much about metal fabrication and will be intrigued.

Check out our other blog articles for some more interesting topics.

5 Fire Extinguisher Types You Should Know

In 2015, 1,345,000 fires were reported in the U.S.

Each year, fires cause billions of dollars in property damage. To protect yourself from unintentional fires, a working fire alarm system is a must.

However, you should also invest in a fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers can save property — and lives. They can be used to contain small fires.

If a fire broke out in your home or office, would you know which kind of fire extinguisher to use? Did you know that there are several fire extinguisher types?

Keep reading for information about the most common fire extinguisher types.

5 Must-Know Fire Extinguisher Types

There are five classes of fire, and accordingly there are five different fire extinguisher types. You can check the label on the fire extinguisher to determine which type it is.

In homes and offices, you’ll often find a multi-purpose extinguisher.

Knowing which material caused the fire is useful when choosing the appropriate extinguisher.

Here are the five fire extinguisher types.

1. Type A – Ordinary Combustibles

Type A extinguishers have an “A” on the label inside of a green triangle. These extinguishers work on combustible fires caused by:

• Wood
• Paper
• Trash
• Cloth
• Rubber
• Plastics

The primary chemical used is monoammonium phosphate, which will smother the fire.

2. Type B – Flammable Liquids

These extinguishers are marked with a “B” inside of a red box. Dealing with a fire caused by a flammable liquid? If so, you’ll need a type B extinguisher.

Fires that have ignited because of oil, gasoline, paint or tar require two ingredients to put out. Type B extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate to smother the fire. Then, they use sodium bicarbonate to extinguish it.

3. Type C – Electrical Equipment

Extinguishers with a C inside of a blue box are for electrical equipment fires. This type of fire can be caused by:

• Machinery
• Faulty appliance
• Wiring
• Circuit breakers
• Fuse boxes

Because these items have electricity running through them, non-conductive materials are a must. Type C extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate.

4. Type D – Combustible Metals

Type D extinguishers are identified by their marking of a “D” inside of a yellow star. Combustible metals pose a different fire threat.

Use a Type D extinguisher to put out fires involving:

• Titanium
• Zirconium
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Lithium

Because these metals are combustible, a dry powder material must be used. These extinguishers are ineffective on other fire classes.

5. Type K – Combustible Cooking

Type K fire extinguishers are labeled with a black “K.”

This handle fires that involve large amounts of grease, including animal and plant-based fat. This type of most often used in kitchen fires.

Do you require more heavy-duty fire suppression items? If so, contact a professional company such as Cold Fire Tactical.

How Else Can You Protect Your Family?

Of course, having the right fire extinguisher on hand is just one of the steps you need to take when it comes to emergency preparedness.

Sign up for an account with us to learn more about the best ways to protect yourself and the ones you love during any disaster. You’ll feel better knowing you’re prepared for anything.