Be Kind
February 17, 2021
Kindness is catchy. That’s why I think every day should be Random Acts of Kindness Day. Nothing elaborate needed – think simple. Perhaps your neighbor’s garbage can tipped over. Instead of ignoring it, pick it up. Brush snow off a stranger’s windshield. Offer words of encouragement. When you do something nice, then others who observe the action are more likely to carry out kindness, too.
7 Ways to Observe Random Acts of Kindness Day
Get caught showing as much kindness as possible - we each have the potential to bring positive change. Please feel free to add to this list and share your ideas for Random Acts of Kindness!
Bio-One ranked number one in Entrepreneur magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500 for success in crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning. This marks the fifth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
Akron, Ohio – Bio-One ranked number one in Entrepreneur magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500 for success in crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning. This marks the fifth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
Bio-One is locally owned and operated by Cuyler and Babs Costanzo. Since 2019 they have served residents, businesses, and government agencies in 13 counties across Northeast Ohio.
Bio-One provides service in recovery and cleanup after suicide, homicide, undiscovered death and hoarding situations. Bio-One also specializes in COVID-19 disinfection, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings, and more.
"We live by our motto: Help First, Business Second. We’re happy to do our little part to help people through tough times," said Cuyler Costanzo, owner of Bio-One. “We have cherished each opportunity to truly make a difference in our community, and we're happy to be part of a winning team."
The number of Bio-One franchises have increased 145 percent in the last three years with over 100 locations in 41 states.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur,” said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, CEO of Bio-One Inc. “The ranking is a direct reflection of our Bio-One family, strength of our business model, and our ability to consistently deliver care and compassion to our clients.”
Over its 42 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Bio-One’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 41 states with over 100 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One, visit us at BioOneAkron.com.
A Covid Christmas
January 4, 2020
I don’t know anyone who wasn’t impacted by Covid-19 this holiday. There were no large gatherings - my family and friends celebrated small. Many had a family member missing at the table because they were sick with Covid and quarantined. And how many of you Zoomed or FaceTimed your celebration with someone who should’ve been in your home?
In my family, it started with me. I lost my taste moments before Thanksgiving dinner was served. I spent the next 9 days in bed, barely leaving the room. (In between bouts of yuck, at least I was able to get most of my Christmas shopping done online!). While I was “Coviding” I was interrupted from time to time by my husband all-suited up with his PPE and a fogger. It made me laugh, but it’s not really weird since we’re in the business of disinfecting.
Our company, Bio-One, specializes in infectious disease decontamination. We routinely disinfect businesses, government buildings, and people’s homes. If you or someone you know is interested in disinfecting a workplace or home, please give us a call. We’re here 24/7, and believe me, you don’t want to get what I had!
Did You Know Suicides Spike AFTER the Holidays?
How you can help someone at risk
January 1, 2021
There is no doubt suicide rates are climbing. But you might find it surprising to know the risk does not go up at Christmastime. The truth is December has the lowest suicide rates of the year. However, there seems to be a spike in suicides specifically on New Year’s Day.
Increased alcohol consumption during New Year’s may play a role. Perhaps people at risk feel overwhelmed at the thought of making it through another year. Depression and desperation can drive the decision to end one’s life.
Statistics aside, it’s important to remember that people can act on suicidal thoughts any time, any day. If you suspect someone is wrestling with these kinds of feelings, the worst thing to do is nothing. Here are ways you can help:
1. Stay in contact. Now that the celebrating has ended, they may be more likely to believe now is the best time to make a crucial decision that might lead them to end their lives.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—it won’t push a person to take action. Ask things like: How are you feeling? Are you considering harming yourself? Have you had thoughts like this before? Have you tried to hurt yourself in the past? Have you thought about how you might harm yourself? Are you able to access the things that you would need?
3. Allow them to express their feelings without being censored. This can be therapeutic, so don’t be afraid to “go there” in the conversation.
4. If you feel they are at risk, don’t leave them alone. If they’re willing to go to the hospital with you (and you feel safe doing so), take them to the emergency room. If that’s not an option, call 911.
5. Don’t assume that it’s “your job” to save someone from taking their life. You can encourage, reach out, and “be present,” but understand there is nothing you can do to keep that person from making the decision to take their own life.
If they are considering self-harm, tell them they can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.
They may also call the crisis hotline at their local county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board. Below are a couple of options:
Summit County ADM Board: 330-434-9144
Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board: 216-623-6888
Heroes Are Around Us
December 30,2020
I noticed somewhere that yesterday was National Hero Day, and then I started thinking we should be celebrating our heroes every day. After all, every day ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. What struck me most this week was the outpouring of love from residents in and around Hinckley, where a 3-year-old boy was abandoned – in wet clothes and barefoot – at a cemetery two days before Christmas. Almost immediately families were offering to adopt the boy, and Christmas gifts for him started filling the lobby at the police station.
Or how about Trooper Bee with the Ohio State Highway Patrol? He personally changed a flat tire for a woman stranded on the side of the highway. Detective Dies with Akron Police donated a laptop to a disabled veteran whose laptop was stolen. The vet is a paraplegic and speech-impaired, and his laptop was his lifeline.
Also a big shout out to all the road crews and snow plowers who worked all night Christmas Eve through Christmas morning clearing the streets while most of us slept.
And did you know a Summit County Sheriff’s deputy kept the Grinch from stealing Christmas? The arrest was in jest, but a reminder of how deputies are always looking out for us.
There are many unsung heroes all around us. (FYI you might want to check out the Akron Beacon Journal, which is sharing an uplifting story every day this week). Thank you to everyone – including our awesome techs at Bio-One – who jump into action any time of the day or night when someone is in need!
A Quick Way to Get Your House Ready to Sell
December 17, 2020
All my friends in the real estate industry tell me this is the busiest they’ve been – EVER! They say houses are selling at an almost unbelievable rate, which I guess shouldn’t be surprising considering existing home sales are at a 14-year high. It makes sense: people are seeking more comfortable work-from home locales, and mortgage rates are low. If you or someone you know is looking to move, Bio-One provides a number of services that can help get the home ready for market.
Cooking smells? Tobacco odor? Cat urine? Lingering smells can turn-off buyers. Bio-One is an expert in odor remediation and is able to eliminate odors quickly so your home is ready to sell and ready for a new family.
Clutter? Hoarding? Rodent droppings? Covid-19 exposure? We specialize in extreme cleaning and disinfection. We’ll de-clutter and deep-clean so that the property is “show ready” in no time. Getting a home ready for sale is a daunting task, we're here if you need us. Let us know how we can help!
NOV 16, 2020
If you find yourself looking at a crime scene, your initial reaction may be to clean it yourself. You may want it to be gone as soon as possible and that's completely understandable. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't take on the task:
1. Fluids! Coming into contact with bodily fluids, especially blood, can be harmful, even dangerous. Body fluids can carry disease and pathogens that you just don't want on, or near, your body.
2. Invisible to the eye! What you can't see, CAN hurt you. If you leave behind any traces of the scene - including germs and pathogens you can't see - you may be exposed to harmful elements and your home won't be as sanitary as you think.
3. Don't stress! You may be worried that you can't afford crime scene cleaners, so you may be surprised to know insurance will usually take care of the cost (and Bio-One will handle all the paperwork with your insurance company, if you'd like).
Bottom line, you should never try to clean a crime scene yourself. You'll be emotionally healthier, less stressed, and more sanitary when you let the professionals properly and safely take care of it. Bio-One is here to help.
World Kindness Day
NOV 13, 2020
I thought it would be nice to mention today is World Kindness Day, and the first day of World Kindness Week. The idea is that kindness is catchy. In other words, if you do something nice, then so will someone else. In fact, studies show when others observe kindness in action they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness, too.
So, imagine if you head out for the day and your neighbor’s garbage can has tipped over. Instead of ignoring it and letting the wind make a mess, you pick it up and return it to the corner. Three other neighbors notice and give you a smile and a nod on their way to work.
One of those neighbors notices a stranded driver on the side of the road on his commute to work. He remembers your thoughtfulness and offers assistance to the stranded driver. Several passersby take notice.
At a business office, a woman struggles with a paper jam. She’s had a horrible day. The customer has been waiting, but she remembers the stranded driver she passed earlier in the day. The customer lets the office worker know to take her time. Everyone has a bad day.
We each have the potential to improve each others’ lives through understanding and kindness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker or stranger, our ability to show our humanity should have no limit.
On World Kindness Day, let your compassion shine brightly. Get caught showing as much kindness as possible. Remember our gestures inspire others and can become infectious and spread.
How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell
Nov 12, 2020
I'm a cat owner. Always have been. And thankfully my kitties were good about using the litterbox or taking their business outside. EXCEPT for that Summer I fostered a stray cat and her large litter of kittens my children found outside. A couple of kittens decided the living room carpet in the far corner behind the furniture was their bathroom. No matter what I used – powders, sprays, vinegar, odor neutralizers – that unmistakable cat pee odor kept coming back, just like trick candles on a birthday cake. My house was starting to smell like a litter box.
That’s because when cat urine sits, the bacterium in it will decompose and give off an ammonia-like smell. (There is a second stage of the decomposition process which emits mercaptans, which are compounds that give skunks their strong characteristic odor). The uric acid in cat urine can last in carpets, fabrics, and wood for years! Although various products may neutralize the odors temporarily, a humid day can cause the uric acid to recrystallize, and that nasty "cat odor" will return.
So what are you supposed to do if you’re unsuccessfully battling that stink? It might be time to contact a professional odor remediation company. Bio-One is an odor removal specialist. We will need to identify the source of the smell in order to permanently eliminate it. That could mean removing carpet and flooring. Then the powerful, eco-friendly products and special equipment we use will eradicate the unpleasant odor once and for all. Give us a call – it will cost you nothing for us to come take a look!
By the way, future potty problems might be prevented by keeping kitty’s litter box very clean (they are called finicky for a reason!), and to make sure your feline has no underlying health issues.
