Winter is here, which means lots of snow for the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s explore the captivating world of snowflakes by delving into their intricate structure and formation. To quote Aristotle, “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” Snowflakes are captivating, with each delicate ice crystal’s unique hexagonal shape. The dendrite form of snowflakes is a study in water chemistry. Professor Krystopher Chutko of the University of Saskatchewan explains, “When ice forms at the molecular level, the angle between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms will always be 120 degrees—put the three of these together to get a complete ring of molecules with a six-sided structure. Since a growing snowflake doesn’t change too much, those attachments tend to occur evenly across the six points of the hexagonal flake. “Molecule by molecule, the snowflake grows and eventually begins to fall. This takes the snowflake to a new part of the atmosphere where temperature and humidity are different, resulting in new ice structures forming but still with the same angles,” defined Chutko. A typical dendrite is made up of about a quintillion individual water molecules. Between that and the slight changes in temperature and humidity, no two snowflakes likely form similarly, resulting in no two snowflakes being alike. Snowflake size and shape are determined by cloud temperature and humidity. The colder the air surrounding a growing snow crystal is, the more intricate the snowflake will be. More elaborate snowflakes are grown when the humidity is high. If the temperatures within the cloud are warmer or the humidity is low, expect the snowflake to be shaped like a simple, smooth, hexagonal prism. The mesmerizing beauty of individual snowflake patterns is incredible. Not only are these minuscule structures very intricate, but...

Cold and flu season is a headache for companies around the nation. The Integrated Benefits Institute states that US companies lose $227 billion each year in lost productivity. Those losses are the results of illness-induced absenteeism and presenteeism (when illness prevents workers from fulfilling their potential). Cut your losses and protect your employees with a few creative housekeeping tips. These small investments could save you thousands—or more—in the long run. Equip Your Team for Cleanliness A study conducted by the University of Arizona reveals that it takes about four hours for traces of infectious viruses to spread to solid surfaces throughout your office. These viruses can thrive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Strategically place disinfecting wipes throughout the office. Employees can wipe down their workspaces throughout the day. You may be surprised by how many employees take advantage of the wipes! Some employees will want to avoid conventional antibacterial wipes. To promote cleanliness for all, consider supplying this simple, natural cleaner as well: one drop of lemon essential oil per four ounces of water in a spray bottle. High-quality lemon essential oils have proven antiseptic, antimicrobial, and bactericidal properties. It’s a natural alternative for employees who might not use conventional disinfectant wipes in their workspaces. Restock Your Break Room Wisely The traditional break room setup usually includes coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer. In fall and winter, consider adding a few fresh lemons and raw honey to the mix. Breathing in warm teas stimulates the cilia of the nose, helping to block out germs. Honey is a natural sweetener that doubles as an antibacterial agent. It’s also a beloved soothing agent for irritated throats. Lemon adds flavor to teas while helping to thin mucus, thus minimizing the irritation caused by postnasal drip. Stock...

Winter is in full swing, bringing with it unpredictable cold fronts and unpleasant, icy storms. Keep your property and residents safe with these simple tips for winterizing your apartments. For Owners HVAC Tune-up Seasonal inspections of your heating and cooling systems will ensure that they are operating at optimal efficiency. It’s also a great idea to make sure that ducts are properly sealed and insulated, which can cut costs by 20 percent or more according to EnergyStar.gov. Stock Up on Salt Make sure that you have enough salt to help defrost walkways, exterior stairways, and inclines throughout the parking lot, entrances, and exits. If the weather drops below 16 degrees for several hours, you may consider a beet juice, molasses, and cheese brine defrosting cocktail.  If your community rarely experiences freezes and doesn’t have a plan in place, speak with your maintenance team to set a schedule or assign a technician in charge of defrosting the premises. No one wants to be surprised with such a task at 4am. Arborist Inspection Have an arborist inspect trees for rot, damage, disease, and pests. Branches that are weighed down by snow and ice are prone to fall when they’re already weak. The National Storm Damage Center reports that trees damaged by severe weather cause more than $1 billion in property damage each year. The arborist’s inspection could save you millions by preventing property damage and injury to your residents. Text Alerts If your property does not have a text-alert system for residents, consider establishing one. Use this system to notify residents of extreme weather conditions and fallen trees across nearby thoroughfares. It’s a small touch that can save time and keep residents safe. Extinguisher Check Be sure that fire extinguishers are inspected per fire department code. Scheduling inspections in the...