Author: Dan Rose

Flushing’s Finest virtual guide takes to the neighborhood’s best places

Dan Rose
Image courtesy of Queens Together
Image courtesy of Queens Together

Queens Together, a restaurant advocacy group formed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has launched a new digital food guide along with Queens foodie and author Joe DiStefano.

Called “Flushing’s Finest,” the guide takes viewers to the 20 best attractions in downtown Flushing, from restaurants to historic institutions.

Some of the places explored are Joe’s Steam Rice Roll, Maxi’s Noodle, Tianjin Dumpling House and the Old Quaker Meeting House.

Flushing’s Finest will be available online on Friday at 10 a.m. starting at $20.

The proceeds will go toward Queens Together’s mission of supporting local restaurants and combating food insecurity.

Read more about the digital guide in this week’s Queens Examiner.

How To Choose The Best Local Divorce Lawyer

Dan Rose

When you are preparing to go through a divorce it can be a very difficult and emotional time. Hopefully, it is not something you will have to ever go through more than just one time. That is why choosing the best local divorce attorney is so important. You will want to find someone who is an advocate for you and who knows how to end the process as quickly and easily as possible.

Here step by step guide to choosing the best divorce lawyer.

Figure out your options

Figuring out your options is the best place to start. There are different types of divorces in New York, like contested, uncontested, and mediation. You will want to know what options you think will be the best type of divorce to pursue. Then contact and discuss these options with your potential lawyer. Their job is to advocate for you and knowing your options from the start is a great way to see if they are offering you the best advice.

Do you need a large firm or a small firm?

This can greatly depend on your specific marriage and lifestyle. But generally speaking, going with a big out of area law firm is not the best way to go in divorces. When you work with a specialized divorce lawyer they will be more familiar with the local legal code, and what possibilities there are for your marriage.

Ask for Recommendations

Do you know anyone else that went through a divorce? First-hand recommendations are usually very accurate in the legal industry. If you do not know anyone, then you can rely on a second great option, the internet. Check out different ranking websites, and even Google. Here you can read reviews, see star ratings for different lawyers in your areas.

Know your situation

You want to make sure your divorce lawyer has the same goals and values as you.

  • Will your divorce require alimony?
  • How about child support?
  • What assets are there to divide?

These are all things that can shape the process of divorce. The end goal should be for both parties to hopefully leave feeling like they were treated fairly. If there are children involved you want to make sure the law protects the security and interest of your children as well.

As you proceed with the divorce discuss the options and plan of action with your lawyer. One of the biggest benefits is having an expert advocate on your side. The sooner the divorce is finalized, the sooner you can begin to feel at peace and move on with your life.

To get a free local consultation on what divorce options are best suited for you, contact one of the highly-rated local divorce attorneys:

Aronov Esq Contested Divorce Lawyer 98-14 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11374 (718) 206-2050 https://divorcelawyernys.com/

The Student Visa Options To Study in New York

Dan Rose

Studying in Queens and New York City is the dream of students from around the world. We have some of the best universities in the country and a large number of international students that choose to study in our schools. By the first step to being able to study legally in New York requires a Student Visa. We have created a guide to the student visa options that are available to international students.

What is a student visa?

A student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to legally come and study in the United States. They do not require a naturalization or immigration process and are valid for a certain time period and for a specific type of studying in institutions of learning. When applying for any visa it is advisable to work with one of the experienced student visa lawyers in Queens.

What requirements are necessary to study on a student visa?

  • Must have a valid passport with at least 6 months past the expected competition date
  • Must be admitted to an approved educational institute (SEVP or SEVIS)
  • Must have the intention ONLY to study
  • Must be able to prove funds sufficient for the costs of living and studying for the duration of the program

What types of Student Visas are available in the USA?

Essentially there are 3 types of student visas in the United States. In order of the most common to the least common, they are F-1, M-1, J-1 student visas. To decide which student visa would be best for you, ask one of the local immigration attorneys.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 Visa is the most common and is intended for college and university students. It is typically valid for as long as you are enrolled as a student in an approved university or college, even just to study English. F-1 visa holders are permitted to work on campus at their institution for up to 20 hours per week. Upon completing their program of study they can remain in the US for up to 60 days before leaving or obtaining another visa.

M-1 Visa

The M-1 student visa is intended for students who are studying in trade, vocational, or technical training school. Many community college students can also obtain an M student visa, but an international student who holds an M visa is not permitted to work, either on-campus or off-campus. They can remain in the US for up to 30 days upon the program’s completion.

J-1 Visa

J-1 Student Visa is another kind of student visa that can include student exchange programs, Au Pairs, camp counselors, teachers, and other types of student or professional training programs outside of a traditional classroom. They can remain in the US for up to 30 days post-program completion. This student visa type is less common.

There are also options to admit dependents of each type of visa who would be admitted under a visa called  F-2, M-2, or J-2 which would fall under similar guidelines and application process as the primary student visa holder.

 

Don’t try to navigate the student visa process on your own, you have the support of one of the top-rated immigration lawyers in Queens:

Slatus & Slatus Immigration Law Firm of Queens 75-27 141st Pl, Flushing, NY 11367 (718) 269-3882 https://immigrationlawyerny.org/

How To Save Money On Closing Costs In Queens

Dan Rose

Finalizing your real estate deal in New York can be a long arduous process. The time and expenses have piled up and then suddenly come to the closing costs, which can seemingly come out of nowhere and add on thousands or tens of thousands of extra dollars. The average closing costs can run between 2-5% and depending on the contracts can fall on the buyer, the seller, or shared by both. Here is an outline of the best ways to save on your closing costs.

Be familiar with the fee breakdown

Your closing cost is not a singular lump sum fee, but rather a combination of many different fees that are associated with obtaining a mortgage.

What are some examples of these fees?

  • Property tax deposit
  • Title insurance
  • Credit report
  • Homeowner insurance
  • Appraisal fee
  • Underwriting fee
  • Origination fee

Just to name a few. There are some costs that can be shared or delayed potential, and working with an attorney who specializes in real estate closing costs can help to navigate them.

Negotiate with Lender

Your lender might offer a bundle all-in-one package that includes multiple services for a larger fee. In order to close the deal, which is in everyone’s best interest, the lenders are often open to the idea of negotiating. They might waive, or reduce some fees. But without asking you will never know.

Shop around for individual services

If it is up to you to find and hire individual inspections, underwriters, title companies, etc, Then shopping around to find the best deals can potentially save you significant money. When all of these smaller fees add up they contribute to the large closing costs that all come close together. But finding the best deals either online or by asking for recommendations you can keep more money in your pocket.

Choose a mortgage with no closing costs

While this option might cost the same in the long term, choosing a mortgage with no closing costs might be an excellent choice if you need to save money at the time of closing the mortgage. When the mortgage says it has no closing costs, it means that the closing costs are bundled into the monthly mortgage payment over a certain period of time.

Hire a real estate lawyer

Hiring a real estate lawyer in Queens could be one of the best cost-saving tips you can do. Although you will have an additional expense for your attorney, they can review all the documents of your mortgage and notify you of exactly what your costs are and where they are going. Sometimes mortgage companies try to include costs that are unnecessary or can be deferred and your lawyer can request these be removed. Also, the fees and costs can be reduced, usually offsetting the costs of your real estate specialist.

Having peace of mind and saving money on your mortgage closing costs is something that everyone would like. So Why not take advantage of this opportunity.

We are proud to recommend a local real estate lawyer with over 70 5-star reviews, free consultations are available daily

Real Estate Lawyer Queens R.A Esq. 88-02 136th St, Jamaica, NY 11418 (718) 206-1555 https://realestatelawyernys.com/

How to Hire A Mortgage Broker In Queens

Dan Rose

Searching for a home and applying for a mortgage can be an exciting new step in your life, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the best decisions you can make to simplify the mortgage process is to work with an experienced Queens mortgage broker. It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time homebuyer or it’s your 2nd or 3rd, by allowing a mortgage broker to handle most of the heavy lifting you can speed up and increase your chances of securing the best mortgage for you.

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is a professional who specializes in the mortgage industry. Their main job is to act as an intermediary between lenders and borrowers. Their expertise is knowing and understanding the needs of each borrower’s unique situation and knowing the various types of mortgage options, the mortgage lenders, and the application and approval process. By matching the appropriate institution and mortgage with the borrower they increase your chances of getting the mortgage that best suits you, and makes the whole process a lot easier.

Benefits of working with a mortgage broker

Mortgage brokers are easier to work with than most institutions. They dedicate their time and attention to each client, and sometimes hold meeting hours and can be reached after the standard work hours.

Mortgage brokers have worked with many mortgage applications. They usually have partners or in-house teams to streamline the entire mortgage process from start to finish.

Mortgage brokers work with multiple lending institutions. They help you to compare the rates and terms of each mortgage, from each lender, You will be far better prepared to choose the mortgage that is the best fit for you.

What to look for in a mortgage broker

When you are looking to hire a mortgage broker in Queens the first thing, you will want to look for is someone who is easy to verify. This is why local and community-based brokers are the best. You can do research online, check reviews, ask them for testimonials, and ask your friends and family if they have heard of your broker.

Next, you will want to ask for a consultation. Don’t be hesitant they will offer you a no-obligation consultation. You can test their knowledge in the industry, ask what lenders they work with, how long they have been in operation, and what kind of clients they typically work with. Also, if you didn’t find anyone that you know for first-hand feedback, you can ask the broker for references.

Finally, you should ask about their fees. Mortgage brokers are compensated either by the borrower or the lender. If the lender pays them it’s a commission, that can usually range from ½ a percent up to 3%.  The other option is you, the borrower will be responsible for paying them, and this fee is usually about 1-2%.

 

The time you will save and the reduced stress will be well worth it, and this is willingly hiring a local mortgage broker in Queens is such a popular decision for so much of the population.

 

If are considering hiring a mortgage broker in Flushing or Queens, reach out to one of the best established independent mortgage brokers in the area. With operations in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

R&J Mortgage & Loan Brokers Queens 116-16 Queens Blvd #204, Queens, NY 11375 (718) 520-7000

Top 4 Varicose Vein Exercises To Do During Covid-19

Dan Rose

Exercise is one of the most important factors when considering heart and vein health. When your heart is healthy, your blood circulation increases which can help to prevent varicose and spider veins. Additionally, when you exercise it motivates you to eat healthier and helps to reduce your weight. These 3 things, healthy heart, healthy weight, and a healthy diet are the 3 most effective factors in battling varicose and spider veins.

But in 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and exercise outside or in a  gym might not always be an option. So we have curated a list of the top exercises you can do during Covid-19 that will reduce the risk of varicose veins. If your varicose veins are causing any pain though, it is always advisable to meet with one of the highly qualified vein doctors in Queens that we have available to us.

Bodyweight Squats

Bodyweight squats are one of the best exercises you can do, period. But especially those trying to increase blood flow to their legs, squats can serve a double purpose. No weights, open areas, or equipment are needed for these. It is advisable to use a chair or table for support if you need help with balance though. A bodyweight squat is where you start in a standing position, and while keeping your back as straight as possible, bend your knees until you are as close to a “sitting position” as possible. To be most effective the knees should not extend out past the tip of the toes.

Calf Flexors

Calf flexors are a simple but very effective exercise that helps to stimulate the legs and especially the calves. This, similar to the squats, can be done next to a wall or table for additional balance support. Start by standing flat on your feet, about shoulder-width apart. Then slowly raise your foot, while keeping your toes on the ground, so by the end you are standing on your toes. You will feel your entire calf muscle stretch increasing circulation. This can also be done sitting at a desk or chair with similar results.

Exercise Bike or Treadmill

If you have an exercise bike or treadmill in your home, there is no better time than now to start taking advantage of it. With mild use, at a steady pace jogging or bike riding is one of the best cardio exercises you can do for your heart and legs. By getting to a  pace where you feel your heart beating quickly you can fight back against the spider veins in your legs.

Stretching

Although not exactly an exercise, a healthy routine of stretching in the morning can increase blood flow throughout the whole body. It is important to never push your body into positions that are too difficult or feel unnatural but find a balance that suits your body type the best. There are virtually hundreds of good exercises to do with examples online, but toes touches,  backstretch, leg extensions, and hip stretches are a few. Speaking with your local varicose vein specialist is also an excellent way to learn about stretches that work best for you.

 

 

Dr Claire’s Vein Treatments Of Queens 161-10 Jamaica Ave 3rd Fl 11432 (718) 269-3883 https://www.downtownveinphysicians.com/queens-ny-office

4 Tips From a Podiatrist To Improve Foot Health

Dan Rose

One of the facts that are hard to face about many foot issues like hammertoe or bunions is that it can be avoided. Although heredity does play an issue and you can inherit your foot shape from family, Most of the time any maladies in your feet are from a series of bad habits. One of the most popular Podiatrist clinics in NYC makes recommendations daily to patients who have developed bad practices with their feet and shoes.  The first step in preventing pain in your feet and ankles is to start making corrections today.

Here is a compilation of the 5 worst things you might be doing for your feet.

Wearing old shoes

Your feet need to be treated correctly if you want to maintain healthy feet. It can feel easy to make excuses for wearing old shoes, like an attachment to them, or you can’t find new shoes, but all that is happening is a deterioration of your foot health. Old shoes, no matter how good they were at one time, often don’t provide the proper support anymore. Your foot arch, heel, and toes all need support if you are walking any amount throughout the day. Simple tasks, like walking up steps, or on hard surfaces can cause multiple issues in your feet with old shoes.

Not wearing socks

Socks play a very important role in your foot health. The first is that they absorb sweat which reduces the chances of bacteria growth, like athletes’ feet, or fungus under the toenails. But also socks provide a protective cushion lawyer around your whole foot, like the side of your toe, and at the contact points on either side of your arch. If you go long periods without wearing socks you can quickly develop calluses which shift the position of your foot,

Wearing shoes without support

Although this affects men and women, there are slightly more women who have issues with supportless shoes. Many of the stylish flats that women wear, both for casual and formal dress, provide little to no support. Men as well have slip-on shoes that do virtually nothing to support the health of your feet. Sandals are one example where they are so easy to wear, inexpensive, and popular in the summer months, but when any serious walking is going to take place, they should be avoided. Local podiatrists often can make customized inserts or soles that fit into shoes that might be able to help with adding support that was missing.

Wearing shoes that are too narrow

This is another one especially relevant for women that wear formal shoes often. Many formal women’s shoes, especially high heels are far too narrow in the toe region. When your toes don’t have sufficient room, the side of your toe will begin to rub on the shoe lining and is a major cause of bunions. Many pointed men shoes have the same issue and it’s very important to always find shoes that fit properly with a good design,

 

From Flushing Queens, we have easy access to one of the top podiatrist in NYC. For all foot and ankle issues,  from customized support and inserts, to foot and ankle surgery contact the experts:

Downtown Podiatry Physicians 80 Maiden Ln #905D New York, NY 10038 (212) 379-6767 https://www.downtownpodiatryphysicians.com/

What’s The Link Between Your Desk Chair and Back Pain?

Dan Rose

We have entered a new era, where more and more people are working desk-based jobs. This is true for those of us in Queens who started working from home recently or those of us in the office. But we are spending more time sitting and working, and the sad truth is that far too many of us are sitting incorrectly, or in a poorly designed chair. This is why your lower back pain can often be directly linked to your posture when sitting in your desk chair. Chronic lower back pain can result from extended periods of poor sitting posture which leads to the necessity of visiting a local pain management specialist.

Avoid Long Periods of Sitting

It is first important to stress, that no matter what kind of desk chair you have, whether a simple one or the most expensive on the market, that you should avoid long periods of sitting. This might be very difficult for many people’s jobs, but there are many alternatives. An easy to remember the rule of thumb is to avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time.

So how can you interrupt your sitting schedule? That’s easy, there are many ways. Get up and walk to the restroom, make a cup of coffee, get some water, or simply stand up, and do some stretches. This will increase blood flow to your lower extremities, relieve pressure from the lower back, and provide all-around health support. In a consultation with any back pain doctors in NYC they will recommend this before anything else.

Proper Chair Size

Not all desk chairs are created equal, and one of the most important factors is the size of the chair. In order to have correct posture when sitting and to prevent lower back pain, you need a desk chair that fits your height and the height of your body and your desk.

In general, there is one angle that you should not forget. 90 Degrees and what should be at 90 degrees? Well for one your elbows. If your elbows are at 90 degrees that means when you type or write your hands won’t be any higher or lower than your elbows. The same goes for your knees. Your knees should not be any higher or lower than your things or hips. If either of these two angles is out of place, then no matter what chair you have you will eventually have lower back pain.

Proper Sitting Position

When you are choosing a desk chair you can look for the proper lower back support which will prevent chronic lower back pain. In the Lumbar region, there should be firm support that arches slightly with your lower back. Although this will help it will take a conscious effort of your own to align your back with the help of the hair. Your shoulder should remain upright and back, with your chin forward and not down. An easy trick is to put a tennis ball under your chin and hold it in position. So with the lumbar support, your lower back will automatically take the best and natural position when your shoulders are back and your chin is up.  Another major desk chair feature are armrests, which help your body to take a  natural and healthy position.

It is definitely worth the time and effort of finding the perfect desk chair to prevent short and long-term lower back pain.

 

Experiencing back pain can interrupt your work and family life and correcting your posture needs to be a top priority. For an appointment with the top back pain specialist in NYC contact:

Downtown Pain Physicians 80 Maiden Ln #905A New York, NY 10038 (212) 404-8070 https://www.downtownpainphysicians.com/

3 DIY Checks To See If You Need An Air Duct Cleaning

Dan Rose

The HVAC air ducts in your residential or commercial buildings have been pumping cool air straight through the hot summer months here in Flushing, Queens. With the summer humidity, and the cool air passing through the dark duct system is a perfect recipe to create a number of issues within the ducts, like mold, mildew, and dust buildup. Most buildings require a professional Queens air duct cleaning company to come in with the specialty equipment, and a highly trained team to service and clean the ducts every 2 years or so. This is very important for large and small jobs, especially if there is a serious build-up of debris and dust in the ducts. But there might be some situations that you can check yourself, and perform the minor ducts cleaning jobs on your own.

But first…

Why do air ducts need cleaning?

Air ducts are rarely touched or manipulated by people. This means that whatever happens inside of an air duct, will remain there, until, well… whenever a cleaner comes in to clean them. This makes them perfect nesting grounds for rodents and insects, and it’s not uncommon to find spiders, roaches, and mice in the air ducts in large buildings in Queens NY. By keeping up with regular cleanings you can prevent dust buildup, allergens, mold, and other harmful bacteria out of the ducts. When doing a DIY check is it very important to always use eye protection, gloves, and safety equipment and tools.

Check the vents

Cleaning the air vents is one very important and effective DIY task to clean the HVAC system. The vents that release air into each room often act as a filter to block dust from blowing into the room. But as the dust builds up on the vent itself, the airflow is restricted, more allergens accumulate on them, and large pieces of dust might blow out and into the room. In the safest way possible, with a ladder on a flat surface, use a vacuum to clean all the vents that you see. Although this is a superficial level of cleaning it can be very effective and is possible for most people to complete.

Check the inside the ducts for moisture

This can be an easier check for those with larger duct systems or with locations where you can see inside with little effort. With the proper safety equipment and a flashlight, you can open the vents to see inside.

Check along the sides, top, and bottom of the ducts for any build-up of moisture. Moisture leads to mold and mildew which are harmful to your health. But the moisture itself is one of the early warning signs that there are issues within the duct, and can lead to physical damage of the ducts in the long term,

Check the Air Filter

Checking the air intake filter of your HVAC system is another simple way to see if it’s time for a local professional duct cleaning company. At the intake for the main HVAC unit, you will find an air filter that requires regular cleaning and/or replacement. Many of them simply slide out to remove, and if it is made from a  durable material you can clean with a hose or you can vacuum it. If you see that it is extremely dusty, dirty, or with mildew, it might be a sign you need a more complete cleaning.

 

These 3 simple DIY checks were provided by one of the top-rated HVAC duct cleaning companies in Queens. If you want a free quote for a professional cleaner or have additional questions contact them today!

ChutePlus LLC 938 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11581 (347) 671-1083 https://www.chuteplus.com/

What’s The Deal With Construction Accident Injuries

Dan Rose

With Queens and NYC starting to slowly open back up from the COVID pandemic there are more construction workers going back to work. Some sectors were labeled as essential work and never ever cut back or paused. But when construction work increases, there is another unfortunate statistic that increases as well, construction site accidents.

Construction accidents resulting in injury are one of the most common forms of workplace injury in NYC.  This makes the construction industry one of the most dangerous industries to work in.

The fear is that with rapid rehiring, and start-up of new construction sites across Queens and the 5 Boroughs, that employers, contractors, and property owners might try to take some shortcuts in safety and regulations. This has happened in the past, and it is why there are relatively strict safety regulations relating to construction sites, scaffolding, roofing, demolition, and other construction sites.

When safety shortcuts are taken, it directly affects the safety of the construction workers. If you have been injured on a construction site in Queens NY, we have a highly recommended personal injury lawyer near Flushing, Queens who specialized in construction accidents.

So what are the most common construction site accidents?

Construction site accidents can vary depending on what area of construction you are working but there are some serious accidents that stand out:

Falling

Falling on construction sites is by far the leading type of accident, it is a universal accident that can happen in almost any conditions. Some falls are heigh related, so from rooftop or scaffolding. But other falls are due to unkept construction sites with heavy equipment or tools on the ground. Even uneven ground that is not clearly marked or wet liquids that make a slippery service.

Equipment related Injuries

Accidents caused by equipment is also a leading cause of accidents. This includes heavy equipment, from tractors, cranes, excavators, and others. But also small equipment like hammers, nail guns, and drills. Proper precautions almost must be taken by the work but also by the company according to OSHA guidelines. If your construction employer neglected safety equipment that caused your accident you need to contact a local accident attorney immediately.

The accidents are no joke, especially in Queens NY. They can result in very serious injuries like

  • Broken bones
  • Amputation
  • Electrocution
  • Burns

Don’t let yourself fall victim to one of the construction injuries that are overlooked. You can easily be compensated for medical costs, disability, lost wages, pain and suffering & more.

Right around the corner from Flushing, we have one of the top injury attorneys in the area, contingency fee-only, and free consultations daily:

Ribowsky Law 109-12 Jamaica Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11418 (718) 659-5333 https://www.mrinjurylawyerny.com/